In most cases, in order to work in Canada foreign nationals must first obtain work permit. This authorization may be “open” or “closed” depending on the type of permit. In addition, some foreign nationals must apply for an entry visa prior to coming to Canada. Please see Visit Canada for more information about entry visas.

In order to obtain work permit in Canada, you must usually have pre-arranged employment from an employer authorized to hire you. If you are accompanying a spouse or common-law partner to Canada you may be eligible for a spousal work permit.

Please visit the following pages to learn more:

1.   The International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program includes all Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permit categories. This includes employees entering Canada on work permits pursuant toFree Trade Agreements and Intra-Company Transfers. Employers of foreign nationals working in Canada through the IMP must still comply with all requirements of the program and are subject to the same compliance and enforcement measures as those using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

2.   Intra-Company Transfers

• Canadian business with international operations or multinational companies may be eligible to transfer their executive, senior managerial and/or specialized knowledge employees to Canada.
• The entry of intra-company transferees is guided by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and is supplemented by provisions contained in international trade agreements for citizens of signatory countries.
• There is no substitute for a professional when your business needs are on the line, for more information, please contact us.

3.   International Experience Canada

Young foreign nationals from 32 countries are eligible to work and travel in Canada through the International Experience Canada program. This program includes young professionals, co-ops as well as the popular working holiday program. Program requirements vary by country of origin, but typically include all young people between the ages 18 to 35 (29 or 30 for some countries).

Get your working holiday started by contacting us.

4.   The Temporary Foreign Worker Program

• The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a work permit category of last resort for employers who are unable to recruit qualified Canadians and Permanent Residents. The program uses a Labour Market Impact Assessment to make a determination about work permit approval and includes very detailed advertising and recruiting requirements as well as other compliance obligations. This difficult process has caused headaches and problems for Canadian employers for years, and without proper experience, can significantly setback their staffing needs
• Relikem India can assist you in making your application and can provide support for your advertising obligations, as well as your ongoing compliance obligations. Contact us today to get started.

5.   Spousal Work Permits

• Spouses and common-law partners of foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada in certain managerial, executive or professional highly skilled occupations may be eligible for spousal work permits. These work permit applications may be made alongside the principal application for a work permit.
• In some cases, your spouse or common-law partner may be able to apply for an open work permit—allowing him or her to accept any job with any employer. In others, your spouse or common-law partner must apply for a work permit for a specific employer. The employer may have to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA allows an employer to hire someone for a specific job. Contact us to find out if your spouse or common-law partner’s employer needs an LMIA to hire them.

6.   Post-Graduate Work Permit

• Spouses and common-law partners of foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada in certain managerial, executive or professional highly skilled occupations may be eligible for spousal work permits. These work permit applications may be made alongside the principal application for a work permit.
• In some cases, your spouse or common-law partner may be able to apply for an open work permit—allowing him or her to accept any job with any employer. In others, your spouse or common-law partner must apply for a work permit for a specific employer. The employer may have to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA allows an employer to hire someone for a specific job. Contact us to find out if your spouse or common-law partner’s employer needs an LMIA to hire them.