Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Every year over 90,000 foreign workers enter Canada working temporarily to help Canadian employers address skill shortages in Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) ensure that these workers will support economic growth in Canada and create more opportunities for all Canadian job seekers.
In almost all cases you must have a valid work permit to work in Canada.
These steps must be followed before you apply for a work permit:
- An employer must first offer you a job.
- HRDC must normally provide a labour market opinion or 'confirmation' of your job offer. However, some types of work are exempt from this process.
- After HRDC confirms that a foreign national may fill the job, you apply to CIC for your work permit.
You cannot immigrate with a work permit. If you want to come and live in Canada as a permanent resident based on your work skills or experience, see if you qualify for the Skilled Worker Program.
