Work In Canada
The Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services: Comprehensive Guidance for Employers on LMIA, Work Permits, and Global Talent Stream.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance and may change frequently due to updates in immigration regulations. For specific advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified immigration consultant or official government sources.
Hiring Foreign Workers: Compliance with Canadian Immigration Laws
Canadian employers looking to hire foreign workers must ensure compliance with immigration laws. Depending on factors such as the type of work, duration of employment, and the worker’s country of citizenship, different rules and requirements apply. At The Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services, we offer expert guidance to help you navigate these complexities.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Most job positions require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in addition to a work permit. The LMIA is a government approval that ensures no qualified Canadian workers were available to fill the role and that the foreign worker will receive fair wages and benefits according to federal and provincial standards. Employers must demonstrate they’ve attempted to find qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents before hiring foreign workers. Our team helps you with the LMIA application, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
LMIA-Exempt Jobs
Some job categories are exempt from requiring a positive LMIA but still require a work permit. These include positions under international agreements (NAFTA, CETA, GATS), intra-company transferees, entrepreneurs, international exchange programs, and others. We can help you determine if your role qualifies for LMIA exemption and guide you through the work permit process.
Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream is designed for employers seeking to hire IT professionals or experiencing high growth. This program offers expedited processing times of two weeks for work permits, ensuring you can quickly bring talent to Canada. If your business is in a high-demand sector, we can help you leverage this program to meet your workforce needs.
Work Without a Permit
Certain occupations allow foreign workers to work without a work permit. These include business visitors, athletes, public speakers, convention organizers, and others. While these roles do not require a work permit, it’s essential to ensure compliance with immigration regulations. We can advise you on the specific conditions under which you can hire foreign workers without a permit.
Open Work Permits
An Open Work Permit allows a foreign national to work in any job without requiring an LMIA or a confirmed job offer. This option is available for spouses or common-law partners of temporary foreign workers and international students, as well as under the Inland Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship category. Graduating international students may also qualify for an open work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. We can help you understand if your situation qualifies for an Open Work Permit and assist with the application process.
Bridging Open Work Permits
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign workers to continue working in Canada while their permanent residency application is being processed. This option is available for those who have applied for permanent residency under specific immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class, Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Class, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). If your current work permit is set to expire, we can assist with the BOWP application to ensure continuity.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers young adults from various countries the opportunity to work and travel in Canada for up to two years, providing invaluable international work experience and cultural exchange. This program has three main categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Each category targets specific participants, from those seeking casual work to gain travel funds to those looking for professional development and industry-specific experience. Through IEC, participants can immerse themselves in Canadian culture, enhance their professional skills, and create lasting connections. At The Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services, we guide you through the IEC application process, ensuring you understand the requirements and deadlines, and helping you maximize this unique opportunity.
The Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of hiring foreign workers in Canada. Whether you need LMIA assistance, work permits, or guidance on specific programs like Global Talent Stream, we are here to support you. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve compliance and build a skilled workforce.
Book an appointment
Let’s discuss the details
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
- Preparation of documents
- Due Diligence
