Ways for Canadian Companies to Hire Foreign Workers

Introduction

Hiring international talent is a smart way for Canadian businesses to fill labour gaps, access global skills, and grow faster. But navigating Canada’s immigration system can feel complex, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. This article walks you through the main temporary and permanent immigration pathways to hire foreign workers to Canada. Whether you're looking for short-term help or long-term team members, there are clear options available.

Temporary Pathways to Hire Foreign Workers

Canadian employers often start by hiring workers on a temporary basis. These programs allow companies to bring in international workers quickly when no Canadians are available to do the job.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for jobs that cannot be filled locally. To do this, employers usually need to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), receive a positive LMIA, and have the worker apply for a work permit using that LMIA. This process ensures that hiring a foreign worker won't negatively affect the Canadian job market.

Best for: Jobs in trades, agriculture, caregiving, or hospitality where labour shortages are common.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

What is the IMP?

The IMP lets companies hire foreign workers without an LMIA when there is a broader economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada. It includes work permits for people under trade agreements, intra-company transfers, and certain international graduates.

Common examples include intra-company transfers for multinational companies, professionals covered under CUSMA (formerly NAFTA), and Francophone mobility workers who plan to work outside Quebec. These categories are exempt from the LMIA process and make it easier for employers to bring in specialized talent.

Best for: Employers needing specialized workers who qualify under exempt categories.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

What is the PGWP?

International students who graduate from eligible Canadian institutions can apply for a PGWP. This open work permit allows them to work for any employer in Canada.

Hiring PGWP holders is a great opportunity for employers because no LMIA is needed. These workers already have Canadian education and often local work experience, which helps them integrate quickly into the workplace. It also gives employers a chance to support their transition to permanent residency if long-term employment is the goal.

Permanent Immigration Pathways for Employers

If you want to hire foreign workers for long-term roles, you can support them through a permanent immigration program. Many workers already in Canada on temporary permits also use these to stay and grow their careers.

Express Entry System

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s main system for selecting skilled immigrants. Employers can support candidates through the system to improve their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.

The main programs under Express Entry include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, which targets individuals with strong foreign work experience; the Canadian Experience Class, which is for people with recent Canadian work experience; and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, which supports workers in specialized trades. Each program has different eligibility requirements, but all are designed to help skilled individuals become permanent residents of Canada.

Employers benefit from Express Entry because a valid job offer can give candidates extra points, increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply. This system also helps employers connect with highly qualified workers from around the world. BorderPass can support this process by helping match employers with skilled candidates who are eligible under Express Entry.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

What are PNPs?

Each province has its own PNP that lets them select workers who meet their local labour market needs. Employers can support a foreign worker’s PNP application.

PNPs offer several benefits to employers. They are often tailored to specific jobs and industries in each province, which makes them ideal for addressing local labour shortages. PNPs also provide a clear pathway to permanent residency and are sometimes faster than federal programs, helping businesses retain skilled workers long-term.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

What is the AIP?

This program helps employers in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island) hire skilled workers and international graduates.

AIP is a strong choice for employers in the Atlantic region. It doesn’t require an LMIA, which simplifies the hiring process. To use the program, employers must become designated, showing they are committed to supporting newcomer workers. It’s especially effective for businesses in Atlantic provinces looking to fill long-term positions with international talent.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

What is RNIP?

RNIP supports small communities outside major cities to attract and retain foreign workers. Employers in participating areas can recommend workers for permanent residency.

Best for: Companies in eligible rural towns or northern regions with hard-to-fill jobs.

People Also Ask

Do all employers need an LMIA to hire foreign workers?

No. Some programs, like the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), do not require an LMIA. However, most hires through the TFWP do require one.

What is the fastest way to hire a foreign worker?

The fastest option depends on the worker’s current status. If the worker is already in Canada on a PGWP, you can hire them immediately. For new hires abroad, using the IMP (if eligible) is often quicker than going through the LMIA process.

Summary and Next Steps

Canadian companies have many ways to hire foreign workers—whether it's for a seasonal job or a permanent position. From TFWP and PGWP to Express Entry and PNPs, each program serves a different need.

If you're unsure which pathway fits your hiring needs, BorderPass can help. We support employers and workers with expert guidance on both temporary and permanent immigration programs. We also help identify high-demand occupations in the U.S. and Canada, making it easier to plan your workforce.