Every year, the Canadian government issues hundreds of thousands work permits to temporary foreign workers to help Canadian businesses meet their labour demands. For example, in 2017, a total of 78,788 work permits were issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which includes caregivers, agricultural workers and other workers who require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In addition, 224,033 work permits were issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which are exempt from an LMIA. If you are a Canadian business, we can help you determine the available options for filling your labour shortages with foreign workers. If you are a foreign national interested in working in Canada, we can help you understand the requirements and assist you in the application process.

Many jobs and foreign workers require an LMIA and a work permit, others only require a work permit, and some do not require a work permit at all. In most cases, a Canadian employer must receive a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is an authorization from the government to hire a foreign worker. The employer will need to demonstrate that there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position and that the foreign worker will be paid a salary and offered benefits in accordance with federal and provincial standards. Canadian employers may be inspected to ensure compliance with government regulations after the employee begins working in Canada. To find out if an LMIA and/or a work permit is required in your circumstances, please contact us and let us help you.
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In certain cases. an LMIA is not required before the foreign national can apply for a work permit. Examples include:

• International Agreements (NAFTA, GATS, Canada-Columbia FTA, Canada-Peru FTA)
• Intra-company transferees
• International exchange programs, including International Experience Canada
• Spouses of foreign workers and foreign students
• Spouses or common-law partners sponsored through the In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship
• Graduating international students (Post-Graduation Work Permit Program)
• Provincial nominees
• Bridging open work permit

There are also occupations for which a foreign national can work without a work permit, such as athletes and performing artists to name a few.

We can also assist you in applying to come to Canada as a business visitor.