Working In Canada
How does it work?
«Working in Canada
Most foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada will need a job offer from an employer in Canada. In addition, many foreign nationals will also need a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) in support of their work permit application.
Work permits can be issued under two programs:
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program 2.
2. International Mobility Program
Temporary Foreign Workers Program
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is an employer-driven process, whereby a Canadian employer must apply for an LMIA.
Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the employer must advertise the position it wishes to fill with a foreign national for at least 4 weeks prior to submitting the LMIA application. When advertising the position for at least 4 weeks, the Canadian employer must demonstrate that there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents who can fill the position.
If a positive LMIA is issued, the foreign national will be able to apply for his or her work permit.
International Mobility Program
The International Mobility Program encompasses all LMIA-exempt work permits, and includes work permits issued under NAFTA, the Mobilité Francophone program and intra-company transfers.
Under the International Mobility Program, depending on the work permit applied for, the employer may have to complete an Employer Compliance online, providing commitments on the occupation, wages and working conditions offered to the foreign national.
The International Mobility Program also includes open work permits, such as those granted to spouses accompanying a temporary foreign worker in Canada, graduate work permits and open bridging work permits.
Open work permits
An open work permit authorizes foreign nationals to work in any occupation, in any job and in any region, with limited exceptions.
There are some options available to foreign nationals where a job offer and LMIA are not required, and the most common open work permits include:
Graduate work permit;
Vacation work permit (under the International Experience Canada program);
Open Bridge Work Permit; and
Spouse Open Work Permit.»
