Toolkit: Canadian employers hiring foreign workers
As Canada’s workforce evolves, you may need to look abroad when there are no suitable job candidates locally. International talent can help fill labour shortages while bringing new skills or boosting your competitive edge. Canada’s flexible immigration system and innovative programs can help you attract and retain the right talent.
Hire a permanent foreign worker
What to do if you want to hire a foreign worker to:
- fill a permanent position, or
- support them in their application for permanent residence
Find more information about:
- the programs that you can use to hire on a permanent basis
- how to submit a valid job offer
- what your responsibilities are depending on the program you choose
Hire a temporary foreign worker
Step 1: Does the worker need a work permit?
Step 2: Do you need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
- If yes, apply for an LMIA through Employment and Social Development Canada.
- If no, submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal.
Step 3: Give the worker the information and documents they need to prepare their work permit application.
Employer resources
Employer testimonials
Royal Bank: “Diversity and inclusion are more than core values at RBC. We believe they are some of our greatest strengths, as an organization and as a country. RBC has a long‑standing history of and commitment to supporting newcomers, who we believe are integral to helping our communities prosper across Canada.”
Friesens: “As a large employer located in a small rural community, we are involved not only in recruitment and onboarding, but also in community integration initiatives related to housing, education, banking, groceries and transportation.”
The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler: "The Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler has had tremendous success through various immigration programs to support staffing requirements in housekeeping, culinary, administrative, and leadership positions. Programs such as the Global Skills Strategy and LMIA-exempt work permits for French-speaking and bilingual skilled workers under Francophone Mobility and Young Professionals have contributed to the success of our award-winning hotel.”
Collège nordique francophone: “Newcomers to the Northwest Territories come with hopes, dreams and a desire to positively contribute to their new community. We take to heart our role in helping them achieve their objectives by providing them with the right skills at the right time so they can more easily integrate and provide for themselves and their families. We are driven by our desire to live up to their aspirations.”
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