Stage 1: The employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

• • Elevate your chances of working in Canada by qualifying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – formerly known as an LMO – from Service Canada before applying for a temporary work visa. Don’t get stuck with just a tourist visa, as it won’t grant you the eligibility to work on Canadian soil.

Stage 2: The employer must extend a Temporary Job Offer

• • Canadian employers looking to hire skilled foreign workers will need to send a positive LMIA as well as a proper ‘Job Offer Letter’ which must contain the following:
    • A job title for the position
    • A description of the job
    • Requirements for the temporary position
    • Information on start and end dates
    • Specifics about the salary
    • The name and address of the employer

Rest easy knowing that Canada Service Agency will double-check the job offer for legitimacy before the Canadian immigration department grants employment authorization. Once everything’s approved, the employer can extend a temporary job offer to the future employee.

Stage 3: The foreign worker will apply for a Canadian Work Permit

• • Once the LMIA and Job Offer Letter have been secured, it’s time to apply for a Canadian Temporary Work Permit. Remember that if you plan to work in Quebec, you’ll also require a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). And in some cases, you’ll need to attend an interview with a visa officer to ensure that your employment won’t negatively impact Canadian employment opportunities. But if you meet all the requirements, you’ll soon find yourself with a Canada Work Permit and the opportunity to embark on an exciting new chapter in your career.

Stage 4: Upon approval, a Work Permit is issued

• • Upon arrival in Canada, a CBSA officer will issue you a Canadian Temporary Work Permit. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may also need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before entering Canada. Obtaining a work visa may seem lengthy, but it’s worth it to experience life and work in Canada.