With a continually changing immigration landscape, hiring a foreign worker can be a daunting and onerous process for Canadian and American employers. In Canada, the process requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a foreign worker. Similarly, in the United States, prospective employers must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIC) and have it approved prior to applying for a work visa. Both processes are heavily scrutinized by the respective governments and require a high level of care and attention to complete properly.

In general, employers must demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the respective labour markets and that there are currently no qualified Canadian or U.S. citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position.

In Canada, there are several cases where foreign workers are able to obtain a work permit without a job offer and/or without having the Canadian employer obtain an LMIA. LMIA-exempt work permits are available under specific circumstances, such as for spouses of foreign workers already authorized to work in Canada and under Foreign Trade Agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Prime Immigration Associates & Advisors are experienced at advising and supporting both employers and foreign workers through the temporary employment immigration process in Canada and in the United States. Complete a free assessment and get in touch with one of our specialists to have them guide you to the options best suited for achieving your objectives.