The Foreign Worker Program
Employing foreign workers can be an essential part of a company's business strategy. Foreign workers can fill labour shortages in your company and bring new skills and knowledge to help it grow.
Most foreign workers require a valid permit to work in Canada. For employers interested in hiring a foreign worker, there are three basic requirements:
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The job offer must be approved by SC (through a positive labour market opinion)
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The applicant must be assessed by CIC
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A work permit must be issued to the foreign worker by CIC.
In some cases, special exemptions may apply. For example, workers in some occupations do not require a work permit. Under other circumstances, an employer may not need a labour market opinion from SC.
You should also be aware that special criteria apply for some industry sectors and occupations.