Hire Foreign Worker

Hiring foreign workers is an essential strategy for many Canadian employers facing labor shortages or in need of specialized skills.

Employers using the International Mobility Program (IMP) — which covers LMIA-exempt categories — are required to register their business through the Employer Portal. This secure platform enables them to submit offers of employment and pay the necessary compliance fee before the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. Using the portal ensures transparency and helps employers remain compliant throughout the process.

For those hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), including LMIA-required streams such as the Global Talent Stream, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is processed separately through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and the Employer Portal may not be necessary. Understanding the differences between these programs is key to submitting the correct documentation.

Employers are responsible for ensuring their job offers meet program requirements and include all necessary details such as job duties, wage, NOC code, and employment duration. Once an offer is submitted through the Employer Portal, the foreign national can use the generated employment number to complete their work permit application.

This tool is vital in work permit applications submitted under LMIA-exempt categories, including intra-company transfers, free trade agreements, and open work permit streams.

To better understand how this hiring process fits into the broader Canadian work permit system, you may want to visit the Work section.

At RightWay Canada, we support employers in every step of the foreign hiring process. Book a consultation with our team to ensure your hiring process aligns with IRCC requirements and your business is ready to bring in international talent.