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Employer Sponsored

Canada offers employer-sponsored pathways for foreign workers to fill labour shortages where local talent is not available. A Temporary Work Permit allows you to live and work in Canada for a specific employer and role.​

Types of Employer-Sponsored Visas in Canada

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

This is the main employer-sponsored pathway requiring an LMIA, where the employer must demonstrate that no suitable Canadian worker is available.

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Common TFWP Streams:

  • High-Wage Stream
    For positions above the provincial median wage

  • Low-Wage Stream
    For roles below the provincial median wage (subject to additional restrictions)

  • Global Talent Stream (GTS)
    Fast-tracked processing for highly skilled workers in tech and specialised occupations

  • Agricultural Stream
    For farm and agri-food workers

  • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
    For temporary seasonal farm work from participating countries

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International Mobility Program (IMP) – LMIA-Exempt

These work permits do not require an LMIA, as they provide broader economic, cultural, or reciprocal benefits to Canada.

Common IMP Categories:

  • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
    For employees transferring within a multinational company to a Canadian branch

  • CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) Work Permits
    For eligible professionals from the United States and Mexico under the
    Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

  • Significant Benefit to Canada
    For individuals whose work will provide notable economic, cultural, or social benefits

  • Reciprocal Employment
    Includes programs where Canadians receive similar opportunities abroad

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

A region-specific employer-sponsored pathway for Canada’s Atlantic provinces:

  • Nova Scotia

  • New Brunswick

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Prince Edward Island

Key Features:

  • Job offer from a designated employer

  • No LMIA required

  • Direct pathway to permanent residency

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

An employer-driven program aimed at smaller communities across Canada.

  • Requires a job offer from an approved employer in a participating community

  • Focused on addressing regional labour shortages

  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency

What is an Employer-Sponsored Work Visa?

An employer-sponsored work visa is typically issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP). In most cases, the work permit is employer-specific, meaning you can only work for the sponsoring employer under the approved conditions.

Key Benefits

  • Opportunity to work and gain experience in Canada

  • Pathway to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs

  • Ability to bring eligible family members

  • Access to Canadian workplace rights and protections

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an employer-sponsored work visa, you must generally:

  • Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer (unless exempt)

  • Meet the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the role

  • Demonstrate relevant work experience and/or education

  • Meet English or French language requirements (if applicable)

  • Provide a valid passport and supporting documentation

  • Pass a medical examination (if required)

  • Provide police clearance certificates (if required)

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

In many cases, the employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which confirms that no suitable Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.

Some roles may be LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program (e.g. intra-company transfers or roles covered by international agreements).

Length of Stay

The length of your work permit depends on the job offer and program:

  • Most employer-sponsored work permits are issued for 1 to 3 years

  • Some permits may be extended if ongoing employment is available

  • Certain streams or occupations may allow longer durations

Conditions of the Visa

Employer-sponsored work permits are typically:

  • Employer-specific (you must work for the approved employer)

  • Role-specific (limited to the approved occupation)

  • Location-specific (restricted to the stated work location)

If you wish to change employers, you will generally need to apply for a new work permit.

Bringing Family Members

You may be able to bring your immediate family:

  • Spouse or partner may be eligible for an open work permit

  • Dependent children may be eligible to study in Canada

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Canadian work experience gained through an employer-sponsored visa can support future applications for permanent residency, including:

  • Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class)

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Choosing the Right Pathway

The most suitable employer-sponsored visa depends on:

  • Your occupation and skill level

  • Whether the employer can obtain an LMIA

  • Your nationality (for trade agreement eligibility)

  • Long-term goals (temporary work vs permanent residency)

How We Can Help

Our experienced migration consultants can:

  • Identify the most suitable employer-sponsored pathway

  • Assess your eligibility and suitable work visa options

  • Assist employers with LMIA applications (if required)

  • Prepare and lodge your work permit application

  • Guide you on compliance and visa conditions

  • Support your transition to permanent residency

Secure your opportunity to work in Canada. Contact us today for expert advice and tailored support.

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