Temporary Foreign Workers Section

In Canada, the labor market is primarily reserved for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Therefore, any foreigner wishing to work in Canada must obtain the appropriate authorizations issued by the government.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) regulates the issuance of work permits. It allows foreign workers to obtain a permit to work exclusively for a specific employer, after that employer has demonstrated the existence of a local labor shortage through a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

For people wishing to work in Quebec, a specific procedure applies; it is also necessary to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ to work).

In addition, the International Mobility Program (IMP) offers simplified procedures compared to the TFPW for certain candidates, including family members of temporary workers or individuals benefiting from international agreements. Depending on your eligibility for the IMP, it is possible to obtain a closed work permit exempt from the LMIA, or even an open work permit.

LMIA application

The Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a procedure whereby an employer must demonstrate that they have taken all necessary steps to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents before hiring a foreign worker.

Depending on the type of LMIA requested and the nature of the offered positions, the criteria and requirements may differ: 

  • Obligation to recruit and post the job offer, or exemption from this step in certain cases;
  • Verification of a maximum limit on the number of foreign workers employed in the company;
  • Compliance with spceific government restrictions, as well as any exemptions to these restrictions.

It is crucial for a company to fully understand its ability to hire a foreign worker and to be aware of its obligations in order to plan its resources and establish a recruitment strategy that complies with the rules in force.

For employers located in Quebec, the federal LMIA application is accompanied by a specific provincial procedure. This is the provincial LMIA, linked to a temporary selection application (CAQ), which aims to ensure that the candidate meets the minimum criteria for the job offer according to provincial rules.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or for assistance with your application.

International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows an employer to hire a temporary foreign worker without having to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), provided that the worker is eligible to one of the exemptions under this program.

Depending on eligibility criteria, it is possible to obtain: 

  • A closed work permit, exempt from LMIA, which binds the worker to a specific employer;
  • An open work permit, offering more flexibility and not restricting employment to a particular employer.

Closed work permits exempt from LMIA include:

  • Workers or companies covered by international agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA);
  • Intra-company transfers;
  • Entrepreneurs or workers in special circumstances.

In these situations, the employer must post a job offer on IRCC’s Employer Portal to ensure regulatory compliance.

In certain specific cases, a worker may be eligible for an open work permit under the IMP, particularly if he is:

  • A family member of a temporary worker;
  • An applicant for permanent residence whose application is being processed;
  • An asylum seeker or beneficiary of certain protections.

Before initiating an LMIA application, it is recommended that candidates inquire about their PMI eligibility options, in order to choose the most appropriate procedure and avoid unnecessary steps.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or for a personalized assessment of your situation.

Start-up Visa

We assist innovative companies eligible for the Start-up Visa Program and their key personnel with their immigration process to Canada. Our service aims to facilitate the submission of strong applications in collaboration with designated organizations, while ensuring compliance with federal criteria.

Our support includes preparing the required documents, coordinating with Canadian business partners, and providing personalized assistance throughout the immigration process. By working closely with founders and management teams, we contribute to their successful integration into the Canadian market, both entrepreneurially and personally.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or for assistance with your application.