Every year, over 90,000 foreign workers enter
Canada to work temporarily to help Canadian employers
address skill shortages. Citizenship and Immigration
Canada (CIC) and Human Resources and Skills Development
Canada (HRSDC) ensure that these workers will support
economic growth in Canada and create more opportunities
for all Canadian job seekers.
In almost all cases, you must have a valid work permit
to work in Canada.
These steps must be followed before you apply for a
work permit:
- An employer must first offer you a job.
- HRSDC must normally provide a labor market opinion or "confirmation" of your job offer. However, some types of work are exempt from this process.
- After HRSDC confirms that a foreign national may fill the job, you apply to CIC for your work permit.
You cannot immigrate with a work permit. If you want to come and live in Canada as a permanent resident based on your work skills or experience, see if you qualify for the Skilled Worker Program.
Foreign workers may do some jobs in Canada without a permit. Check to see if you can work in Canada without a permit.
Because of certain free trade agreements, business people may work in Canada without a work permit. |
