EMPLOYERS
Hire a Foreign Worker
When Canadian employers are unable to find qualified candidates locally, hiring international talent can be an effective solution to address labour shortages and support business growth.
In many cases, this process requires obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign national will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for preparing and submitting the LMIA application and paying the required government fees. This process may involve:
Advertising the position to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Demonstrating genuine recruitment efforts
Providing documentation to show that no qualified Canadian candidate was available
Complying with all program requirements and wage standards
Once a positive LMIA is issued, employers can provide the foreign worker with the LMIA confirmation letter and a formal job offer, enabling them to proceed to the next step in obtaining their work permit.
For Foreign Workers
Once a positive LMIA and a valid job offer are in place, the foreign worker can apply for a Canadian work permit. While the application is generally the responsibility of the worker, many employers choose to assist with documentation and associated costs, providing valuable support throughout the process.
The foreign worker must meet all eligibility requirements, which may include demonstrating language proficiency, relevant work experience, and sufficient financial resources. With careful preparation and guidance, this step becomes a smooth pathway for skilled international talent to join Canadian workplaces.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is designed to support Canada’s economic interests and strengthen relationships with its international trading partners. It also offers a more efficient process for foreign nationals from countries that have bilateral or multilateral agreements with Canada to obtain authorization to work in Canada.
Not all work permits require an LMIA. Under the IMP, certain work permits are LMIA-Exempt due to Canadian interests such as: significant benefit, or reciprocal employment, or public policies.
LMIA-exempt categories may include:
Professionals, traders, investors, and business visitors under international free trade agreements (such as CUSMA and other applicable agreements)
Intra-company transferees (ICT)
Spouses or common-law partners eligible for open work permits
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants
Work permits issued based on significant benefit to Canada
Each category has specific eligibility criteria, and careful assessment is essential to determine the most appropriate pathway.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN CANADA (IEC)
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young foreign nationals to travel and gain work experience in Canada for a temporary period (up to 2 years). The program is available to citizens of countries that have a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship. In most cases, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age, demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival in Canada, and meet admissibility requirements.
The IEC program includes three categories of work permits:
Working Holiday – An open work permit for individuals who do not have a job offer and wish to travel and work in Canada.
Young Professionals – An employer-specific work permit for candidates who have a job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional development. The position must generally fall within TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
International Co-op (Internship) – An employer-specific work permit for students who are enrolled in a post-secondary institution and have a job offer for a work placement or internship that forms part of their academic program.
Hiring foreign workers can be a complex process. At MGiaccari Immigration Consulting, our team works closely with employers to simplify the process, provide practical solutions, and ensure all immigration obligations are properly met. Our goal is to guide you every step of the way, while maintaining full compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.
We assist with:
LMIA Applications: Preparing and submitting LMIA applications, including guidance on advertising requirements and supporting documentation.
LMIA-Exempt Options: Identifying and advising on LMIA exemptions and the most suitable pathways for your hiring needs.
Employer Portal Compliance: Managing Employer Portal requirements for LMIA-exempt work permits, including accurate job offer submissions and employer compliance fee payments.
Contact us to book a one-hour consultation and get started today