Thousands of people every year hope to work in Canada because of the vast opportunities, potentially higher salaries, and for the betterment of their families.
There are two types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer who is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions.
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include:
- the name of the employer you can work for,
- how long you can work, and
- the location where you can work (if applicable).
If you already have an employer in Canada willing to hire you, you may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.
A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter. Contact us for assistance in obtaining your LMIA.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labour and skill shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available.
International Mobility Program
The International Mobility Program is for all Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permit categories. This includes employees entering Canada on work permits under Free Trade Agreements and Intra-Company Transfers. Employers of foreign nationals working in Canada through the IMP must still comply with all requirements of the program and are subject to the same conditions as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program such as obtaining a Labour Market Opinion (LMO).