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Temporary Solutions for Foreign Workers – Employers
Working with an immigration company that understands your hiring process and the challenges associated with moving to Canada are crucial to making a successful international hire.
The following are temporary solutions that can lead to permanent residence in Canada:
Labour Market Opinion – Temporary Work Permit
In most cases, an application for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) needs to be made in order to employ an international skilled worker. The LMO is filed through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Upon approval of the LMO, the employee can apply for a work permit at a Canadian Consulate, or at the border if coming from developed countries like the UK, US and Australia. Temporary work permits can be issued for up to a maximum of 3 years at one time. It is possible to apply for an extension of a work permit.
Temporary Work Permit Processing Times:
Initial LMO applications can take as little as 15 business days to be processed by HRSDC, and the LMO processing times vary depending on the province where the application is being filed. Once the LMO is approved the application for a Temporary Work Permit can be made. It can take anywhere from 1 – 90 days for work permit approval. Processing times are longer if the employee is from a developing country or if they are required to complete a medical examination.
LMO applications can be made for an individual or for groups of workers. It is ideal for large numbers of vacancies that need to be filled quickly.
NAFTA Professionals and Intra-Company Transferees – Temporary Work Permit
For professionals from the US and Mexico, NAFTA allows for quickest entry into Canada. NAFTA allows 60 types of professionals with university degrees to receive immediate work permits if they have a job offer. This category applies to occupations such as Accountants, Engineers, Geologists and Management Consultants with university degrees.
Intra-Company transferees who have been employed by a company but are not Canadian citizens can come to Canada under the General Agreement on Trade or NAFTA. This category is especially helpful for executives, senior managers and employees with very specialized knowledge.
NAFTA Professional - Temporary Work Permit Processing Times:
If the employee applies at the border, they can be issued the work permit on the spot. If the worker applies by mail it can take approximately 2-3 weeks.
Please contact us for more information about the immigration options that are available for your employees or complete a brief employer questionnaire.
If you are an individual who has a job offer from a Canadian company and would like more information about Canadian Work Permit options, please complete a Free Assessment form for further information about our professional services.
