Entry Requirements
Canada welcomes thousands of new residents every year. Coming to Canada as an immigrant or with a work permit is exciting and challenging. Except in the province Quebec, the Federal government is responsible for immigration and the provinces play a consulting role. In Quebec, the jurisdiction is shared between the Federal and Provincial governments.
This section provides an overview of Canada ’s immigration policy and the Federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In addition, you will find many resources to help answer your questions.
- Work Permits for Foreign Workers
- Business Immigration
- Working under the North American Free Trade Agreements (NAFTA)
- Exemptions under Immigration Act Regulations
- Special Program for Software Workers
- Canadian Visa Offices Abroad
Work Permits for Foreign Workers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has developed a fair and transparent process for granting work permits to foreign workers. The goal is to help Canadian employers hire workers with specific skill sets while protecting the interests of the Canadian workforce.
The following section outlines the responsibilities for
Frequently asked questions for this section
- How can a foreign worker work temporarily in Canada? OR What do I need if I want to work temporarily in Canada?
- What do I need to do before applying for a work permit?
- Where can I find more information on how to obtain a work permit?
- As a foreign worker working temporarily in Canada on a valid work permit, can I establish a small business in Canada?
Foreign Worker's Responsibilities
As a foreign worker, you are almost always required to have a valid work permit to work in Canada. A work permit allows you to work for a limited period of time in Canada. However, it does not automatically allow you to immigrate to Canada.
The following information outlines the responsibilities of the foreign worker and the employer and comes directly from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Related Link
- Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker
Learn more about immigrating to Canada as part of Canada’s Skilled Worker Program
Employer's Responsibilities
In most cases, hiring a foreign worker involves a confirmed job offer from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). As the employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that the foreign workers you hire have a valid work permit and follow the conditions and time limits of their respective work permits.
Following is an in-depth overview of the Employer’s Role. This information comes directly from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Hiring a temporary foreign worker
Employers from all types of businesses can recruit foreign workers with a wide range of skills to meet temporary labour shortages.
You may be able to hire eligible foreign workers to work for you temporarily if you can prove that:
- you cannot find suitable Canadians or permanent residents to fill the jobs
- bringing the workers to Canada will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market, and
- you meet all other requirements and conditions.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada works with Service Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency to manage the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Note: If you are looking for a permanent solution to a long-term skill shortage, consult your provincial or territorial government about immigration programs or see Hire a federal skilled worker in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Learn about:
- Before applying
- How to hire a foreign worker
- After hiring
- Extending a worker
- Frequently asked questions
To find out what a foreign worker must do to come to Canada, see Working temporarily in Canada: Who can apply in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Related Links
provided by the Governmrnt of Canada
An additional information on Canada provided by CIA-The World Factbooks.