Work in Canadaand stay in Canada

Transfer Your Skills and Knowledge to Work in Canada

There are two types of work programs for foreign workers in Canada – Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program. These foreign worker programs are very detailed, complex and are constantly being adjusted by the government of Canada.

Please contact us for a consultation in order to properly assess your qualifications. Foreign nationals that are working in Canada can have a significant advantage over applicants from outside of Canada to obtain permanent residence through one of the Economic Immigration Programs:

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

PGWPs, i.e., Post Graduation Work Permits, are a kind of open work permit offered to international students who have graduated from a Canadian study program. PGWPs enable individuals to work for almost any Canadian employer for as many hours as they wish.

In addition, Post Graduation Work Permits are valid from eight months to three years. Also, they are an excellent way to receive relevant work experience. Once an applicant has the necessary work experience, it opens wide doors of opportunities to obtain permanent residence.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):

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. Canadian employers have to apply for a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), prior to hiring a foreign worker. The LMIA application process is complex and the rate of refusal can be high, depending on such factors as unemployment rate. If you are a foreign worker looking to work in Canada or a Canadian employer who is planning to hire a foreign worker, please contact us for a consultation.

International Mobility Program (IMP):

IMP lets Canadian employers hire temporary workers without obtaining a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment. Exemptions from the LMIA process are based on both of the following:

    • the broader economic, cultural or other competitive advantages for Canada
    • the reciprocal benefits enjoyed by Canadians and permanent residents

Foreign Workers and Canadian Employers can qualify for an exemption from the requirements of an LMIA in the following categories:

International agreements:

  • Working coming under various free trade agreements (FTA) including:
    • Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) – formally North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
    • Canada-Chile FTA
    • Canada-Peru FTA
    • Canada-Colombia FTA
    • Canada-Korea FTA
    • Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
    • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) – countries of WTO
    • Canada–Panama Free Trade Agreement
    • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

Canadian interests

  • Significant (cultural and/or economic) benefit to Canada
  • Entrepreneurs seeking to operate a business in Canada
  • Intracompany-company transferees
  • Emergency repair or repair personnel for out-of-warranty equipment
  • Television and film production workers
  • Francophone mobility
  • Live-in caregivers whose permanent residence application is submitted
  • Caregivers whose permanent residence application is submitted under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCPP) or Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) (occupation-restricted open work permit)
  • Spouses and dependants at age of majority of caregivers whose permanent residence application is submitted under the HCCPP or HSWP
  • Bridging open work permits (BOWPs)
  • Caregivers under the HCCPP or HSWP
  • Reciprocal employment (including Working Holiday Visa and other Youth Exchange Program)
  • Research
  • Spouses of skilled worker
  • Spouses of students
  • Post-grad employment
  • Post-doctoral Ph.D. fellows and award recipients
  • Off-campus employment
  • Medical residents and fellows
  • Religious and Charitable Work

No other means of support

  • Refugee Claimants and persons under an unenforceable removal orders

Permanent residence applicants in Canada

  • Live-in-caregiver class
  • Spouse or common-law partner in Canada class
  • Protected persons
  • Humanitarian and compassionate grounds
  • Family members of the above

Vulnerable workers and their family members

Humanitarian reasons

  • Destitute Students
  • Holders of a Temporary Resident Permit

Want to learn more what immigration programs is the best fit for you?