Finding a job in Canada as a foreign worker is not an easy task. As a foreign worker, you may find yourself lacking sufficient work experience or credentials to meet the requirements for a Canadian job. However, that should not discourage you from your plan of working in Canada.
How Can Foreign Workers Work in Canada?
Unless you are a permanent resident or exempt from requiring a work permit, you will be required to obtain a work permit in Canada. Based on your occupation, your employer may be required to provide you with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Unless your occupation exempts you from the work permit requirement, you can not be employed in Canada without it.
How Can Foreign Workers Obtain Work Authorization in Canada?
Currently, you can obtain a Canadian work permit through the following programs:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
The TFWP allows foreign workers to be temporarily employed in Canada, provided they have a positive LMIA to apply for a Canadian work permit.
International Mobility Program (IMP):
The IMP is a collection of smaller programs allowing Canadian employers to hire a foreign worker without obtaining a positive LMIA. Programs under the IMP are based partially on international reciprocal agreements such as International Experience Class (IEC), NAFTA, CETA, etc.
Economic Immigration Programs:
Various federal economic immigration programs allow you to obtain Canadian permanent residence, which means that you will no longer require a work permit to be employed in Canada. These programs include the following:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
- Agri-food Pilot Program
For most of these programs, you will require a valid job offer with a positive LMIA to qualify for Canadian permanent residence.
How Can Foreign Workers Find a Job in Canada?
More than 90% of Canadian organizations use recruitment agencies to hire foreign workers. Recruitment agencies play the role of a mediator between foreign workers and Canadian employers. Consulting a recruitment agency in Canada will save you a lot of time and stress in looking for a suitable job yourself. Finding a job via recruitment agencies will also give you more options and make it easier for you to say no to unsuitable opportunities. These agencies will connect you with the right people and give you the required support to secure a job offer in Canada.
Which Recruitment Agencies and Companies Are Hiring Foreign Workers in Canada?
The following recruitment agencies and companies are hiring foreign workers in Canada.
Global Hire:
Global Hire connects foreign workers from all over the world with employment opportunities in health care, transportation, welding, and skilled labor industries. This agency has staff services in Edmonton, Calgary, and Alberta.