For a foreign individual to be able to work in Canada under one of the following programs, he or she must have a work permit or authorization to work without one.
1-the Program for Temporary Foreign Workers
- To engage foreign workers to fill temporary labor and skill shortages, employers must acquire a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA confirms that a temporary worker is required and that no Canadians or permanent residents are available to fill the position.
2- the International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Employers can hire temporary workers without an LMIA thanks to the IMP. Exemptions from the LMIA are granted for the following reasons:
- the country’s broader economic, cultural, or other competitive advantages
- Canadians and permanent residents both benefit from reciprocal privileges
Global Skills Strategy
You can qualify for two-week processing of your work permit application in two ways. It depends on whether or not you require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
If you don’t need an LMIA (LMIA-exempt) you will be qualified for this stream if you meet all of these requirements:
· you are applying from outside Canada
· your job is either skill type 0 (managerial) or skill level A (professional) in the National Occupational Classification system
· your employer has submitted an offer of employment using the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee
*International Experience Canada applicants are not eligible.
If you need an LMIA (LMIA-required), you will qualify for this stream if you meet all of these requirements:
- you are applying from outside Canada
- you have a positive LMIA through the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Spouses and dependents
Your spouse, common-law partner and dependent children are also eligible for two-week processing on applications. This applies to applications for a:
- visitor visa
- work permit
- study permit
