Temporary job opportunities available in Canada — submit your application

If you’re interested in working in Canada as a temporary foreign worker, the process may look complicated at first, but it’s actually straightforward once you understand the steps. 

Canada mainly uses the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to bring in workers from abroad, although there are other pathways depending on your situation. Here’s a simple breakdown.

To begin, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. For most positions under the TFWP, the employer needs to show that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the role. They do this by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). A positive LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker won’t harm the Canadian labour market. This process can take a while, so employers should apply early.

Some types of jobs don’t require an LMIA. These fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP)—for example, workers transferred within the same company or roles covered by international trade agreements like CUSMA. If you work in a specialized field or come from a partner country, you may qualify for this route.

Once the employer has received a positive LMIA—or confirmed that the role is LMIA-exempt—you can apply for your Canadian work permit. Applications are submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You’ll need documents such as a job offer letter, LMIA (if needed), a valid passport, police clearance, and possibly a medical exam depending on the nature of the job or your travel history. If your job is in Quebec, you’ll also have to obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before applying.

Most applicants complete the process online through the IRCC portal, which is the simplest and most common method.