As a general rule, employment in Canada is reserved for Canadian Citizens and Permanent residents. When a Canadian company cannot find a qualified employee within Canada, after obtaining permission from ESDC, the company may bring a foreign national on a temporary work permit.
This can only be done after the company has obtained a Labour Market Assessment Impact. If your company is looking to obtain a LMIA, click here.
Under NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) with the United States, Mexico and Chile – these countries are excluded from this rule.Meaning, citizens of these countries can obtain temporary work permits to work within these three without going through the ESDC. Additionally, some work permits may be obtained in 24 hours (if there is an offer of employment).There are numerous other programs for software developers, religious workers, exotic dancers, athletes, students, spouses of workers etc on temporary work permit.
