Interested in recruiting international employees in Canada? Here's a concise handbook for Canadian employers.
With the ongoing evolution of the Canadian job market, numerous employers are now looking towards foreign workers to address labor shortages. Employing foreign workers involves a intricate process that demands meticulous planning and attention to detail. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the procedure before initiating the hiring process. The following outlines the fundamental steps for Canadian employers considering the recruitment of foreign workers:
Assess your workforce requirements
Initiate the process of recruiting foreign workers by first assessing your labor requirements. This entails pinpointing the specific roles to be occupied, the necessary skill sets, and determining the permanence or temporariness of the positions. Additionally, it’s crucial to decide whether the workers will be employed on a full-time or part-time basis.
After identifying the positions to be filled, ascertain the allowable number of foreign workers you are eligible to hire. Depending on the industry and the nature of the positions, employers may encounter limits on the quantity of temporary foreign workers they can bring on board.
Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
For the majority of employers, obtaining an LMIA is a prerequisite before engaging foreign workers. This entails demonstrating the unavailability of Canadians or permanent residents for the positions and assuring that hiring foreign workers won’t adversely affect the Canadian labor market.
Typically, employers must prove that they have actively advertised the job to Canadians for a minimum of four weeks without finding suitable candidates.
Securing a successful LMIA application is often one of the most daunting aspects of the process. Employers must carefully choose the appropriate stream for the position, adhere to stipulations regarding wages and benefits, and ensure accuracy, as false information can lead to rejections and a two-year exclusion from the program.
To streamline the process and guarantee precision, many employers opt to enlist the services of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or a lawyer to handle their application.
Assess the eligibility of workers
The next step is to determine whether the foreign workers you want to hire are eligible to work in Canada. This includes ensuring that they meet the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or other programs that allow foreign workers to work in Canada.
Officially extend the job offer to the foreign worker
Upon securing an LMIA, extend the job offer to the foreign worker. Ensure to furnish them with a written job offer detailing the terms and conditions of employment, encompassing wages, working hours, and any additional entitled benefits.
Verify that the employee possesses their work permit and essential documents.
To work in Canada, the foreign worker must obtain a work permit. You can either submit a work permit application on their behalf or furnish them with the required documents for a self-application. Alternatively, either the worker or employer can engage a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or lawyer to handle the work permit application.
Regardless of the application handler, it is crucial for the employer to stay in communication with the worker to ensure the timely completion of the application.
Establish explicit expectations for workers.
Effective communication is crucial throughout the hiring process! Relocating to another country represents a substantial change for foreign workers, carrying inherent uncertainties. Building trust is paramount, and this is achieved by maintaining consistent communication at every stage of the process. Regular check-ins not only foster trust but also enable the identification and prevention of potential issues that might impede the application process.
Getting Started
Hiring temporary foreign workers significantly enhances an employer’s capacity to operate at full strength and fulfill customer demands. If you seek to streamline the application process and save time, we’re here to assist! Secure the workforce you require with Immigrate.
Note: Immigration regulations are subject to change. For the latest information, please refer to the Government of Canada’s website or consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.
