To hire foreign workers, Canadian employers may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA proves that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian job market, as no Canadian or permanent resident is available to fill the job position in question. Once the employer receives the positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit.
There are several LMIA categories with specific requirements. The Canadian Government makes frequent adjustments to some of the streams:
Some individuals may be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit, meaning they do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to work in Canada. One of the most popular categories for LMIA-exempt work permits includes the International Experience Canada (IEC) programs, which offer young people the opportunity to travel and work in Canada:
The Working Holiday is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, allowing young individuals from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada. This LMIA-exempt work permit is available to travellers aged 18 to 35 years old. It provides an open work permit, meaning holders can work for almost any employer in Canada and in multiple locations, offering the flexibility to gain work experience while exploring the country. Work permits issued under IEC are usually valid for up to 12 or 36 months with some opportunities for extension.
The Young Professional program, also under International Experience Canada, allows individuals aged 18 to 35 to gain professional work experience in Canada. Applicants must have a job offer that matches their skills and experience, which benefits both the worker and Canadian employers. The work permit issued under this program is employer-specific, meaning the individual can only work for the employer listed on their permit.
The International Co-Op (Internship) permit is designed for international students who wish to gain work experience in Canada related to their field of study. This LMIA-exempt work permit allows students to complete an internship or co-op placement as part of their academic program, providing valuable hands-on experience to complement their education.
Canada’s Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on local labour market needs. Each province has its own criteria and streams, which may target specific occupations or skill sets. Applicants typically require a job offer from a local employer or must demonstrate a connection to the province.
PNP streams are currently available in the following Canadian provinces:
The Open Spousal Work Permit allows the spouse or common-law partner of an eligible foreign worker or student to work for any employer in Canada. This LMIA-exempt work permit enables spouses or common-law partners to work without being restricted to a specific employer.
The specific requirements for applying depend on the status of the spouse in Canada, such as whether they hold a work permit, study permit, or are in the process of being sponsored for permanent residency.
The Bridging Open Work Permit allows individuals who have applied for permanent residency to continue working in Canada while their application is processed. This permit bridges the gap between a temporary status and permanent residency, ensuring applicants can remain employed during the transition.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is available to eligible international graduates from some designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada who wish to stay in Canada temporarily to work. The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program. This work experience can help graduates qualify for permanent residency through various immigration programs.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program aimed at attracting foreign workers to immigrate to rural and smaller communities in Canada. Applicants with a valid job offer in participating communities may qualify for an RNIP permanent residency and a Work Permit, which supports the settlement of skilled workers in regions experiencing labour shortages.
The pilot that ended on 31st August 2024 shall be transformed into a permanent residency pathway in 2025.
The Intra-Company Transfer work permit allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a Canadian branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. This permit is typically available to managers, executives, or workers with specialized knowledge, enabling companies to move talent to their Canadian operations without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The open work permit for vulnerable workers is designed to protect foreign workers in Canada who are experiencing or are at risk of abuse in their workplace or at home. This permit allows foreign nationals to leave abusive situations and find a new job, ensuring their rights are safeguarded.
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) work permit is available to foreign workers employed in specific sectors that fall under international trade agreements. This permit allows skilled professionals to work in Canada under the provisions of GATS, which facilitates the temporary entry of service providers into Canada.
Under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU), certain categories of business persons from EU member countries may be eligible for CETA work permits.
In certain situations, foreign nationals can work in Canada without needing a work permit. These work permit exemptions apply to specific jobs, industries, or circumstances, such as employment with foreign governments, participation in emergency operations, or eligibility based on family ties to foreign workers. Examples of jobs that may not require a work permit include:
