Far too often we see foreign candidates applying for job postings in Vancouver and BC without doing any research on what is actually required to work in Canada. Like everything else, you need to put some effort and research into this if you’re serious about working in BC. Simply sending in an application with no resume, no cover letter and saying “I want to come to Canada to work in your company” is a waste of yours and the employers time – your application is going to be deleted.
To help you get started with your Canadian temporary work permit research, we’ve put together the steps required.
For foreign workers, an offer of employment from a Canadian employer is usually required before the worker may be granted a Temporary Work Permit by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). There are several steps to this process. Depending upon the foreign worker’s country of citizenship, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also need to be obtained in order to enter Canada.
Step 1: Employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment, if necessary.
Before a Temporary Work Permit can be issued, the Canadian employer who wishes to hire a temporary foreign worker may need to apply for and be granted a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by ESDC, which will grant a positive LMIA if it is satisfied that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Work Permits may be issued by Canadian immigration officials without the LMIA requirement in a limited number of situations, as follows:
- Under international agreements, such as NAFTA;
- Due to the significant economic, social or cultural benefits the work activity will bring to Canadians;
- As part of reciprocal agreements Canada and its provinces/territories have entered into with other countries, such as youth and teacher exchange programs;
- So that international students studying in Canada can fulfill academic requirements, known as co-op placements;
- To allow the spouses/common-law partners of Work Permit and certain study permit holders in Canada to work in Canada;
- Because the nature of the work is charitable or religious;
- In recognition that certain persons in Canada for reasons other than the above-mentioned, such as the making of a refugee claim, need to support themselves.
Step 2: Employer extends Temporary Job Offer.
Once the LMIA is granted, the Canadian employer can provide a temporary job offer to the foreign worker. The employer must send a copy of the positive LMIA along with a detailed job offer letter to the foreign worker.
Step 3: Foreign Worker applies for Work Permit.
With these documents, the foreign worker can apply to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for a Canada Temporary Work Permit.
Step 4: Work Permit is issued.
A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will issue the Canada Temporary Work Permit at the point of entry when the foreign worker arrives in Canada.
Here is a link to the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program site – please do some research prior to applying for any jobs.
