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HIRE A FOREIGN WORKER

How to hire a foreign worker in Canada? Look no further! Hiring a foreign worker can be intimidating but with our guide, you'll be ready in no time! Get in touch with us today! Our team is here to provide you with more information, answer any questions you may have and create an effective solution, so you can seamlessly hire the foreign workers your business needs. 

Open Your Case Online In 5 Minutes

Are you a business leader looking to hire a temporary foreign worker but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place. We'll help you hire a foreign worker from abroad and get them set up in your business as quickly and seamlessly as possible. There are two major programs available to Canadian employers who want to hire temporary foreign workers, the TFWP and IMP.

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The temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) requires completing the Canadian Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The assessment is designed to protect the Canadian labour market ensuring that no Canadians are available or qualified for the position. The LMIA process is initiated by an employer applying to the government-run Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to hire foreign workers. The employer must follow federal and provincial/territorial employment laws and provide evidence that they cannot find Canadians who are able, available, qualified, and willing for the job.

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The international mobility program (IMP), covers foreign workers who are exempt based on an international agreement, reciprocal employment opportunities or other Canadian interests. Before you can this program, you will need to know if your worker qualifies for an exemption and submit the details of your offer of employment to IRCC's employer portal to hire foreign workers.

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Let's make hiring a temporary foreign worker easy for you

Gold Package

  • Labour market impact assessment and processing of support.

  • Advertisement, seminars and job fairs to recruit prospective employees.

  • Pre-screening of resumes, credentials and background checks.

  • Prepare workers for citizenship and immigration Canada post-interview.

  • Work permit processing.

  • Airport pickup, social insurance number, government health care number, bank account, and telephone hook up.

  • Living accommodations, transportation introduction, first day drop off at work.

Silver Package

  • Labour Market Impact Assessment application and processing of supporting documents.

  • Advertisement, seminars and job fairs to recruit prospective employees.

  • Pre-screening of resumes, credentials and background checks.

  • Prepare workers for citizenship and immigration Canada post-interview.

  • Work permit application.

Bronze Package

  • Labour Market Impact Assessment Application and processing of supporting documents.

  • Advertisement, seminars and job fairs to recruit prospective employees.

  • Pre-screening of resumes, credentials and background checks.

Employer Requirements

The employer would need to prove the following:

  • They have no past compliance issues as an employer;

  • They can fulfil all of the terms of the job offer (they would need to submit official tax documents to support this);

  • They are providing a good or service in Canada;

  • If they are hiring a skilled foreign worker to support their application for permanent residence in Canada, they must submit proof that the business has been in operation for a minimum of one year (does not apply for positions in Quebec);

  • They have carried out three different recruitment activities to try and fill the position, if applicable;

  • They are offering employment that is consistent with the needs of their business.

 

The employer would also need to provide a Transition Plan describing the activities they agree to undertake to recruit, retain and train Canadians and permanent residents and reduce their reliance on foreign workers. This requirement can be waived in certain situations.

 

The government fee for this application is $1,000 for each position. This fee would be waived if the LMIA was to support permanent residence through Express Entry, and the applicant would not be applying for a work permit as well.

 

If the employer receives a negative outcome, it means they cannot employ a foreign national as they could not meet the requirements of the Labour Market Impact Assessment they applied for.

 

The requirements for a Labour Market Impact Assessment vary depending on the type of position that is being offered to a foreign national. The requirements for each type of position vary in terms of the employer’s advertising, application fees, the wage being offered and the application processing times.

Who is exempt from requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?

Specific individuals seeking to work in Canada may require a Canadian work permit but may be exempt from requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If the Canadian employer is exempt from obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), in some cases, they will need to register your job offer through an online portal and pay a Canadian Employer Compliance Fee of $230.00.

  • What kind of service do you provide?
    The Labour Market Impact Assessment Work Permit Extension on the Work Permit Permanent Residence Status in Canada Relocation Assistance (S.I.N., Banking, temporary accommodation, Health Care and ESL, etc.)
  • What positions do you recruit for?
    We provide placement services primarily in the Construction, Trucking, Welding, Manufacturing, and Service Industries. Our primary focus is to assist your organization by matching you with the right employees based on your specific needs. We do this while building partnerships based on mutual respect, trust, and professionalism.
  • What countries do you recruit from?
    We recruit from any country worldwide but specialize in select countries due to the availability of high and low skilled workers and the success rate of the immigration process per country. We specialize in recruiting from the Philippines, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Macao and Singapore.
  • What is the difference between low-skill and high-skill workers?
    The National Occupational Classification or NOC defines the difference between low and high skilled workers for short. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the nationally accepted reference on occupations in Canada. Each occupation has a designated NOC code based on the skill requirements required to perform the job. High-skilled workers are designated under skill levels 0, A, or B of the National Occupational Classification Matrix. Low-skilled positions are designated as skill levels C and D of the matrix. For further information, please refer to the matrix here.
  • Can a foreign worker work for someone else?
    Foreign workers who immigrate to Canada on a temporary work visa cannot work for any other employer unless authorized to do so. To obtain authorization to work for another employer is a painstaking process. In most cases, an employee will not try to switch employers as long as they are treated fairly and the employment contract terms are met.
  • What are my obligations as an employer?
    As an employer, you are obligated to treat foreign workers the same as treating Canadian workers. A contract between the foreign worker and the potential employer is signed before the foreign worker is granted their work permit. This contract outlines the obligations made between the employer and the employee. If the foreign worker does not meet the criteria set forth by the employer for their employees, the employer is under no obligation to keep them and can terminate their contract.
  • How long does the process take?
    The length of the process depends on the position the company is recruiting for and the country they wish to recruit from. The shortest time frame to have a foreign worker in Canada is approximately one month. The waiting times to acquire a foreign worker from beginning to end range from approximately 3-7 months.
  • How much do I have to pay for wages?
    Service Canada requirements dictate that you must pay the "Median Wage." As the Median Wage changes regularly and varies by occupation and is further determined by geographical location, we ask that you please get in touch with us for the current salary in your area for a specific occupation.
  • Do I have to deduct CPP, EI and employment tax from the foreign worker?"
    Employers are responsible for deducting the same taxes as they would from their Canadian employees.
  • Do I have to provide accommodation to the foreign worker?
    We can assist your company in finding accommodation for your foreign employees for a small fee, or you can choose to help the workers secure their accommodations. The employer must ensure that the employee's accommodations are no greater than 33% of the employee's gross wage for low-skilled workers. Temporary foreign workers usually choose to share accommodations to lower the cost of living.
  • How much do your services cost?
    Our company has several packages available to suit your needs.
  • Do I need to sign a contract?
    You will be required to sign a contract for either a one or two-year period. However, if for some reason you no longer need the worker, you may terminate the contract provided that it is done in accordance with the provincial labour laws in your province.
  • How long can I employ a Foreign Worker?
    There are currently no restrictions on the length of employment. As long as both the employer and the employee meet the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements, they may renew indefinitely.
  • Aside from wages, are there other costs associated with getting a Foreign Worker?"
    If you are hiring a lower-skill worker, you will be responsible for purchasing a return flight for the worker as an employer. If you are hiring a skilled worker, you are not required to pay the flight costs.
  • Can I hire a part-time Temporary Foreign worker?
    All positions must be full-time. However, the number of hours that qualify as full-time varies significantly from province to province. It can be as little as 30 hours per week, depending on which province the Foreign Worker is employed in. There are some exceptions, such as a Temporary Foreign Worker holding an open work permit or a study permit.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Contact Us

We leverage our years of research and experience in helping clients navigate the intricate process of hiring a foreign worker. If you're serious about hiring international foreign workers, partner with us!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What kind of service do you provide?
    The Labour Market Impact Assessment Work Permit Extension on the Work Permit Permanent Residence Status in Canada Relocation Assistance (S.I.N., Banking, temporary accommodation, Health Care and ESL, etc.)
  • What positions do you recruit for?
    We provide placement services primarily in the Construction, Trucking, Welding, Manufacturing, and Service Industries. Our primary focus is to assist your organization by matching you with the right employees based on your specific needs. We do this while building partnerships based on mutual respect, trust, and professionalism.
  • What countries do you recruit from?
    We recruit from any country worldwide but specialize in select countries due to the availability of high and low skilled workers and the success rate of the immigration process per country. We specialize in recruiting from the Philippines, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Macao and Singapore.
  • What is the difference between low-skill and high-skill workers?
    The National Occupational Classification or NOC defines the difference between low and high skilled workers for short. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the nationally accepted reference on occupations in Canada. Each occupation has a designated NOC code based on the skill requirements required to perform the job. High-skilled workers are designated under skill levels 0, A, or B of the National Occupational Classification Matrix. Low-skilled positions are designated as skill levels C and D of the matrix. For further information, please refer to the matrix here.
  • Can a foreign worker work for someone else?
    Foreign workers who immigrate to Canada on a temporary work visa cannot work for any other employer unless authorized to do so. To obtain authorization to work for another employer is a painstaking process. In most cases, an employee will not try to switch employers as long as they are treated fairly and the employment contract terms are met.
  • What are my obligations as an employer?
    As an employer, you are obligated to treat foreign workers the same as treating Canadian workers. A contract between the foreign worker and the potential employer is signed before the foreign worker is granted their work permit. This contract outlines the obligations made between the employer and the employee. If the foreign worker does not meet the criteria set forth by the employer for their employees, the employer is under no obligation to keep them and can terminate their contract.
  • How long does the process take?
    The length of the process depends on the position the company is recruiting for and the country they wish to recruit from. The shortest time frame to have a foreign worker in Canada is approximately one month. The waiting times to acquire a foreign worker from beginning to end range from approximately 3-7 months.
  • How much do I have to pay for wages?
    Service Canada requirements dictate that you must pay the "Median Wage." As the Median Wage changes regularly and varies by occupation and is further determined by geographical location, we ask that you please get in touch with us for the current salary in your area for a specific occupation.
  • Do I have to deduct CPP, EI and employment tax from the foreign worker?"
    Employers are responsible for deducting the same taxes as they would from their Canadian employees.
  • Do I have to provide accommodation to the foreign worker?
    We can assist your company in finding accommodation for your foreign employees for a small fee, or you can choose to help the workers secure their accommodations. The employer must ensure that the employee's accommodations are no greater than 33% of the employee's gross wage for low-skilled workers. Temporary foreign workers usually choose to share accommodations to lower the cost of living.
  • How much do your services cost?
    Our company has several packages available to suit your needs.
  • Do I need to sign a contract?
    You will be required to sign a contract for either a one or two-year period. However, if for some reason you no longer need the worker, you may terminate the contract provided that it is done in accordance with the provincial labour laws in your province.
  • How long can I employ a Foreign Worker?
    There are currently no restrictions on the length of employment. As long as both the employer and the employee meet the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements, they may renew indefinitely.
  • Aside from wages, are there other costs associated with getting a Foreign Worker?"
    If you are hiring a lower-skill worker, you will be responsible for purchasing a return flight for the worker as an employer. If you are hiring a skilled worker, you are not required to pay the flight costs.
  • Can I hire a part-time Temporary Foreign worker?
    All positions must be full-time. However, the number of hours that qualify as full-time varies significantly from province to province. It can be as little as 30 hours per week, depending on which province the Foreign Worker is employed in. There are some exceptions, such as a Temporary Foreign Worker holding an open work permit or a study permit.
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