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.

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

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.