Foreign Workers

For Canadian employers, there are several options to choose from based on the specific needs of your company with regards to hiring Foreign Workers on a temporary or permanent basis.

In many instances, Canadian companies can hire foreign workers on the basis of Temporary Work permits. This may be the fastest option based on employers’ particular needs. Prospective employers can hire foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.

Should the employer want to hire foreign workers on a permanent basis, the worker will need to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry

The Express Entry selection system offers a quick and simple process for Canadian employers to hire skilled workers, who would then receive permanent residence. After receiving a qualifying job offer, the prospective employee will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. There are three main immigration streams which are processed through the Express Entry program:

Federal Skilled Worker

If the foreign workers have work experience in a skilled occupation determined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, you may be able to hire him or her through the Federal Skilled Worker Class, if you have not been able to fill the open job position locally.

Canadian Experience Class

Foreign workers who have been employed on a temporary basis and have been offered full-time employment by their Canadian company may qualify for Canadian immigration under the Canadian Experience Class.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

If the foreign worker is a skilled tradesperson. They may qualify to become permanent residents of Canada on the basis of their qualification in a skilled trade through this program. This stream is for Canadian companies that are looking to hire tradespersons internationally and have been unable to do so locally.

Provincial Nominee Program

Another option is through the Canadian provincial and territorial Nominee Program, which are specifically tailored to the needs of each province or territory for workers who intends to settle as permanent residences in a given province of territory. (Quebec does not have a Provincial Nominee Program but uses the Quebec Skilled Worker program). Unlike the federal Express Entry program, the Provincial Nominee Program further accommodates workers in lower-skilled positions, providing that the open job positions are unable to be filled with Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Network Canada has extensive experience assisting Canadian employers with hiring Foreign Workers in the Truck Driving, Meat Cutting, Food Processing and Welding industries. If you are a Canadian employer and are interested in more information about hiring foreign workers, we can help you. Please contact us.