Work in Canada
In most cases, in order to work in Canada foreign nationals must first obtain work permit. This authorization may be “open” or “closed” depending on the type of permit. In addition, some foreign nationals must apply for an entry visa prior to coming to Canada. Please see Visit Canada for more information about entry visas.
In order to obtain work permit in Canada, you must usually have pre-arranged employment from an employer authorized to hire you. If you are accompanying a spouse or common-law partner to Canada you may be eligible for a spousal work permit.
THE INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM (IMP)
The International Mobility Program includes all Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permit categories. This includes employees entering Canada on work permits pursuant to Free Trade Agreements and Intra-Company Transfers. Employers of foreign nationals working in Canada through the IMP must still comply with all requirements of the program and are subject to the same compliance and enforcement measures as those using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFERS
Canadian business with international operations or multinational companies may be eligible to transfer their executive, senior managerial and/or specialized knowledge employees to Canada.
The entry of intra-company transferees is guided by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and is supplemented by provisions contained in international trade agreements for citizens of signatory countries.
There is no substitute for a professional when your business needs are on the line, for more information, please contact us.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Young foreign nationals from 32 countries are eligible to work and travel in Canada through the International Experience Canada program. This program includes young professionals, co-ops as well as the popular working holiday program. Program requirements vary by country of origin, but typically include all young people between the ages 18 to 35 (29 or 30 for some countries).
Get your working holiday started by contacting us.
THE TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a work permit category of last resort for employers who are unable to recruit qualified Canadians and Permanent Residents. The program uses a Labour Market Impact Assessment to make a determination about work permit approval and includes very detailed advertising and recruiting requirements as well as other compliance obligations. This difficult process has caused headaches and problems for Canadian employers for years, and without proper experience, can significantly setback their staffing needs.
Green and Spiegel can assist you in making your application and can provide support for your advertising obligations, as well as your ongoing compliance obligations. Contact us today to get started.
SPOUSAL OPEN WORK PERMITS
Spouses and common-law partners of foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada in certain managerial, executive or professional highly skilled occupations may be eligible for spousal work permits. These work permit applications may be made alongside the principal application for a work permit.
In some cases, your spouse or common-law partner may be able to apply for an open work permit—allowing him or her to accept any job with any employer. In others, your spouse or common-law partner must apply for a work permit for a specific employer. The employer may have to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA allows an employer to hire someone for a specific job. Contact us to find out if your spouse or common-law partner's employer needs an LMIA to hire them.
POST-GRADUATION WORK PERMIT
Graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions are eligible for a one-time post-graduation work permit after completing their studies. These open work permits grant work authorization to international students, allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience that may be used as part of a later application for Permanent Residency.
A work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP ) may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years. A post-graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student’s study program, and the study program must be a minimum of eight months in length. For example, if you graduate from a four-year degree program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit if you meet the criteria. If you graduate from an eight-month certificate program, you would be eligible for a work permit that is valid for no more than eight months. Post-Graduation work permits must be obtained within a specific time-frame after graduation. Please contact us to find out more.