Foreign workers who want to work in Canada need to secure a job offer from a Canadian Employer and also apply for a work permit before they can work in Canada. The ease of getting a job as a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) depends on a couple of factors such as
Do you need an employer-specific or open work permit?
Does your job require a positive labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or is it LMIA-exempt?
Are you eligible for any type of open work permit?
Generally, most employers in Canada, are most willing to offer employment to applicants who have valid status and can work in Canada. For TFW, that would be a valid Work Permit.
A work permit is an official document that allows a foreign national to legally work in Canada for a designated period, ensuring that individuals entering a country for employment do so in compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
However, in most cases, before a temporary foreign worker can apply for a work permit, a Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment ( LMIA) is required. A positive LMIA is applied for by a Canadian employer looking to hire a temporary foreign worker. This LMIA is an authorization to hire a temporary foreign worker after rigorous proof that there was no qualified Canadian or Permanent Resident to fill the job. Employers are required to pay a fee of $1,000 CAD per position to Employment and Social Development Canada. Not all jobs require LMIA but most do. You can read more about LMIA here.
Upon receipt of a positive LMIA, an employer would provide this to an employee as well as payment of the employer compliance fee of $230, and the temporary foreign worker begin the process of applying for a work permit with all required documents and form for a work permit application.
Types of Work Permits
There are two main types of work permits in Canada:
1. Employer Specific (Closed ) Work Permits:
Employer-specific work permit authorizes the TFW to work for only the employer basically it is exclusive to the employer. If the TFW decides to work for another employer, a new work permit application would be required.
2. Open work permits
Open work permits allow TFW unparalleled flexibility, allowing holders to work in various roles without being tied to a specific employer or job offer. Unlike other work permits, they don't require an LMIA or a valid job offer. Here are some examples of open work permits
Recent Post-Graduates: Graduates from certain Canadian post-secondary institutions are programs may be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit
Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers: The spouses of temporary foreign workers can obtain open work permits, enabling them to contribute to the Canadian workforce.
Spouses of International Students: Spouses of international students registered in a PGWP-eligible program may be eligible for open work permits.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Candidates: Candidates who have received invitations through the IEC program are eligible for an open work permit.
Certain Applicants for Permanent Residence: Those applying for permanent residence under specific immigration programs such as certain Provincial Nomination programs with job offers, Atlantic Immigration Program, or Entrepeneurship immigration programs, can secure an open work permit, providing financial support during the application process.
While the process of securing a work permit in Canada can be intricate, understanding the basics of LMIA, work permit types, and eligibility criteria is essential for a successful application. Schedule a call with our consultants if you have secured job offers in Canada and need assistance with the work permit application process. If you have any questions or require guidance regarding your application, feel free to contact us let's discuss and explore the options that will be right for you to migrate to Canada.