What are your Options for Working in Canada?

Canada is emerging as a strong economic power. This ever-growing economy has created a great challenge for employers. As the unemployment rate is very low in their country, these employers are struggling to find the workforce. This growing demand has become an opportunity for those foreign workers who are looking for jobs and want to settle in Canada. For those countries where there is a record unemployment rate, Canada has become a hot destination because of its heavy dependence on the foreign workforce. 

For all those willing to go to Canada to work, it is necessary to go through proper channels for temporary employment. This is a guide for those who are looking for the solution to the questions in their mind regarding the procedure to be followed while applying for a temporary job in Canada.

This write up will provide and answer all question and give an update regarding the procedure to be followed in a particular situation. First and foremost, to work in Canada a work permit is required. But under some special circumstances, there are some exceptions where a permit may not be necessary for foreign workers.

For those Canadian employers who are interested in employing foreign workers must obtain authorization from Employment and Social Development in Canada (ESDC). Which is also known as (LMIA) Labour Market Impact Assessment.

For employers who wish to employ foreign workers, it is mandatory to ensure that employing a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market. And they should also ensure that no Canadian citizen or permanent citizen is available to fill the vacancy. This done by advertising the post in several venues and when no suitable candidate appears for the post then only, they can take a foreigner in the post. Very compressive and rigorous scrutiny is conducted by the LIMA  and the government makes sure that this is done without any mistakes. 

All the permits have to go through the LMIA processes but under the Foreign Trade, North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA, there are certain permits which are exempt from going through LIMA process. Under NAFTA a foreign worker can apply for a work permit without the Canadian employer has to go through the LIMA process.

Different Types of Work Permits for Working in Canada

In addition to these work permits, there are a number of other permits for those foreign nationals who don’t have a job offer.

• Temporary work permit processes, the employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment if necessary. Then the employer extends a temporary job offer. The foreign worker applies for a work permit. The work permit is issued.
• LIMA exempt work permits. In several cases, the need for a LIMA is waived, like religious social or charitable work, reciprocal employment, or if there is a significant benefit, intracompany transfers, or for the self-employed.
• NAFTA work permits. Under these permits are issued under the North American Free Trade Agreement, and allows a person to work without going through LIMA.
• Transfers within the company. In this Multinational companies can bring employees from their other offences without going through the processes of LIMA.
• Businesses permits. In certain cases, a businessman can work in Canada without a permit if they do not disturb the labour market.
• Education work permits. International Students who have graduated from Canadian educational institutions can work in Canada for three years.

Besides this, there are permits for foreign workers who do not have job offers like open spousal work permits or working holidays or post-graduate work permit.

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Diksha Garg

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