Find out how you can immigrate to, or work in Canada
The hiring of foreign workers requires government approval in most cases. This approval is requested through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is a government program's purpose is to make sure that no Canadians are being passed-over for available positions, and that the foreign worker will contribute positively to the Canadian economy.
Many service, hospitality, farming, and some trades are hired using this program. These foreign workers may earn less or more than the provincial average for their job, depending on current competition and the type of work performed. Having the assistance of a skilled Immigration Professional with business contracts already in place can mean faster placement for you at a job in Canada.
It is important to note all LMIAs are temporary, and have a finite duration. You do not require an LMIA if you are a religious worker, an entrepreneur, an intra-company transfer, an academic, a member of an applicable exchange program, or a French-Speaking skilled worker. Other exemptions apply, and only an Immigration Professional can let you know if your particular circumstances apply for exemption.
If you are in a relationship and working or studying in Canada, your spouse or partner will probably want to be with you here. The Open Work Permit (OWP) makes this possible. Under the OWP the spouse or partner of a temporary worker, foreign student, or international student who has graduated from a Canadian college, university, or trade school, can apply to move to Canada and join the work force.
The OWP permits that spouse or partner to work while in Canada. However, the spouse or partner coming to Canada must demonstrate that they are not a student themselves. The OWP program only allows for your spouse to work, they must be able to contribute to their support while residing in Canada.
So you've come to Canada under an LMIA, but your contract has ended. You've applied for a Permanent Residency, but the application hasn't been reviewed yet. What do you do?
If you are already in Canada as a temporary worker, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to remain in Canada while your application for Permanent Residency is being processed by the Government of Canada. This program gives the government, employers, and workers a direct path to worker integration without the interruption of having to leave and re-enter Canada, find an employer willing to submit a new LMIA, or other disruptions for a file already in progress. In essence, it helps you to keep working until your long-term options become clear.
This is a program aimed at young people aged 18-35. Whether you're looking for a working holiday, an international co-op exchange through your post-secondary institution, or if you're a young professional needing experience with a Canadian employer, the IEC program lets you build your experience abroad in Canada.
You must be a citizen of one of the 32 countries with an agreement with Canada for free movement, your passport must be up-to-date for the full duration of your stay, and you must have enough money to and health insurance reserved to support yourself when you arrive (a minimum of $2500, plus insurance). You must also have a round-trip ticket for return airfare or travel to your origin country.
Trent, UBC, McGill, Concordia, and SFU - Canada is home to some of the world's premiere universities and colleges. This position at the front of learning presents you with the opportunity to learn from the best, while learning in excellent institutions, and exploring ideas and fields of study which are in the process of development. Nanotechnology. Neuroscience. New Spatial Geometry. Whatever your field of study, Canada has the academics to help you thrive. Once you have been accepted by a Canadian institution it is time to apply for a Canada Study Permit. This permit will allow you to come to Canada for the duration of your studies. As long as you maintain good grades and are not a drain on the Canadain government's resources, you should not encounter issues in being permitted to stay until your studies have concluded.
In addition to the work plans listed above, in Canada, it's also possible to apply through the Government offers additional plans for entry into Canada. There are several programs available to you, including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Family Class Program, Skilled worker and provincial nominee program- and Canadian and Quebec Experience Class programs. Each of these programs are unique and have their own entry requirements. Speaking to an Immigration Professional about the options open to you is your best choice.
There are two types of investment and business development activities which can happen in Canada: Temporary Business Travel, and Business Investment.
Whether you're doing business in Canada, training employees of a Canadian company, taking orders for goods and services, or attending business meetings and conferences, you have the freedom to do business in Canada as a visitor. This freedom allows you to travel to Canada, engage in business sales and agreements, prospect from amongst Canadian industry partners, and establish business relationships which will further your aims and the Canadian economy.
Most of the time, Business Visitors to Canada don't need a work permit to come to Canada. All you need to do is show you plan to stay temporarily (< 6 months), do not plan to enter the labour market, must have a main place of business outside of Canada, and you must meet minimum standard entry requirements. Investors, on the other hand, have the opportunity to continue their career or invest in Canadian business opportunities. Whether you choose to invest in the Canadian economy, or the economy of any given province, each province has the option of bringing you in to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which improves your chances of being admitted to Canada as a contributing investment partner.