Canadian temporary workers is currently needed, file your application

If you’re thinking about working in Canada temporarily as a foreign worker, I totally get that it can seem a bit daunting. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down into simple steps, just like I would if we were chatting over coffee. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is one of the main pathways to getting a work permit, but there are other options available depending on your situation. So, let’s get into it!

The First things first, you’ll need a job offer from a Canadian employer. This is usually the first step for most temporary work permits under the TFWP. Your employer will typically have to show that they couldn’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position, which means they’ll need to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This document proves that hiring you won’t negatively impact the Canadian job market. Your employer will apply for this through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and it can take a few months, so they should plan ahead.

However, some jobs don’t require an LMIA—like certain positions under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which includes intra-company transfers or roles linked to trade agreements like CUSMA. If you’re in a specialized field or coming from a country that has a specific agreement with Canada, this could be the route for you.

Once your employer has a positive LMIA (or confirms that the job is LMIA-exempt), you can move on to applying for the work permit itself. This is done through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You’ll need to gather a few documents: your job offer letter, the LMIA (if applicable), a valid passport, proof of a clean criminal record (like a police clearance certificate), and sometimes a medical exam, depending on your job or where you’ve lived. If you’re applying for a job in Quebec, don’t forget you’ll also need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the provincial government before you submit your work permit application.

You can apply for the work permit online, which is the most common method these days, through the IRCC.