Finding and Recruiting Top Talent Outside of Canada (2024)

Attracting and retaining skilled labour is an increasingly difficult challenge that many Canadian businesses must overcome. There are many valuable and skilled international workers who could suit a Canadian organization and workforce. Many Canadian businesses seek out foreign workers to help fill labour needs when there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill positions. These individuals can arrive in Canada through a range of positions such as a temporary worker, intern, permanent worker, or an international student.

“Attracting and retaining skilled workers through immigration is essential to our economic recovery and helping businesses succeed. By improving our Foreign Credential Recognition Program, skilled newcomers will get hands-on work experience and internships while integrating into our society. It is vital that we accelerate the process for skilled workers to address our labour shortage, and build a prosperous future.”

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Sean Fraser

While businesses are in the process of actively seeking foreign employees, it is imperative that all the correct steps are taken to find and successfully bring an individual to Canada for employment. This article provides information on some of the most-used programs the Government of Canada offers to help employers in the hiring process.

Please note: There may be additional programs available to hire foreign workers not noted in this article and the complexity of the process will vary on a case by case basis. To see all of the top hiring and training programs in Canada, please review our .

Resources for Hiring Skilled International Employees

Even though over half of immigrants have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, they are still facing significantly higher rates of unemployment in contrast to their native counterparts. Recent actions by the Government of Canada are striving to combat these challenges by adding new funding to 11 projects under the Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) which will accelerate scale up for Canadian businesses by easing the barriers for foreign workers.

After exhausting the domestic candidate pool, businesses often look to international skilled workers as a source of talent. There are many government resources and programs employers can look to for effectively finding and bringing skilled foreign workers to Canada to fill vacant positions.

Express Entry

Employers in Canada can hireExpress Entrycontenders to meet labour needs if they are not able to be fulfilled by Canadians or permanent residents. This program allows employers to have direct involvement in hiring pre-screened skilled foreign workers to meet the desired needs of their business. According to the National Occupation Classification, a skilled worker means Skill Type 0, Skill Type A, or Skill Type B; see below.

There are three federal economic programs managed by Express Entry:

  • Canadian Experience Class: The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and who desire to become permanent residents.
  • Federal Skilled Worker: The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program: The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on their qualifications in a skilled trade.

Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC)

TheNational Occupation Classification Systemis used to classify occupations. Jobs are grouped based on the type of job duties and the work an individual performs. The main job categories for immigration purposes are as follows:

  • Skill Type 0: Management Jobs (e.g., restaurant and construction managers),
  • Skill Level A: Professional Jobs (usually require a university degree),
  • Skill Level B: Technical Jobs (usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training),
  • Skill Level C: Intermediate Jobs (usually require high school and/or job-specific training), and
  • Skill Level D: Labour Jobs (usually receive on-the-job training).

Provincial Nominee Programs

Many provinces and territories havenominee programswhere the government nominates individuals who are seeking to immigrate to Canada for work and reside in the nominating province or territory. Some programs have the intention to attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs from around the world, while others help to fill labour gaps that businesses may be facing.

Temporary Work Permit

Generally, hiring foreign workers on aTemporary Work Permitis the fastest option for Canadian businesses seeking to fill labour shortages. Every year, more than 300,000 foreign workers come to work in Canada via Temporary Work Permits, which are classified under the two programs:

  • International Mobility Program:This program is designed to advance Canada’s economic and cultural national interest on a global level. Employers can hire foreign nationals without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program: This program allows employers in Canada to hire foreign individuals to fill positions for which qualified Canadians are not available. Employers must also obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Temporary Foreign Worker Program – Global Talent Stream

TheGlobal Talent Streamprovides a two-week standard for the processing of work permit applications for specialized and skilled temporary foreign workers. There are two categories eligible employers may apply under.

  • Category A: This stream is for high-growth, innovative firms in Canada that demonstrate a need to recruit foreign workers with a unique talent. Employers must be referred to the Global Talent Stream by a designated referral partner.
  • Category B: The Global Talent Stream is also intended for Canadian employers looking to hire certain highly skilled foreign workers for occupations found on the Global Talent Occupations List.

For more information on the Global Talent Stream and the Global Talent Occupations List, please visit theGovernment of Canada’s Global Talent Stream webpage.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

ALabour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain before issuing a Temporary Work Permit. Supplied by Employment and Social Development Canada, the document gives the employer permission to hire a temporary foreign worker.

A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a position and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.

Find out if you need a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Consortium of Agencies Serving Internationally Trained Persons (CASIP)

CASIPis a consortium of independent, community-based agencies and colleges that exist to help Canadian employers find skilled and internationally trained foreign employees in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). CASIP’s member organizations include the following:

  • Collège Boréal: Collège Boréal offers a wide range of educational selections and programs for francophones to encourage the integration of new francophones in Canada.
  • ACCES Employment: ACCES Employment assists job seekers from diverse backgrounds to find employment and integrate into the Canadian job market.
  • Humber College: Through their five employment service locations, Humber provides an array of employment services and training programs to support all job seekers in the community.
  • Job Skills: Job Skills is a non-profit community-based employment training agency that offers newcomer, employment, and business and employer services including individual skills development for the workplace.
  • COSTI Immigrant Services: COSTI Immigrant Services is a community-based multicultural agency providing educational, employment, settlement, and social services to all new Canadians, immigrant communities, and individuals in need of assistance.
  • JVS Toronto: JVS Toronto provides mentoring, innovative employment programs, and pre-arrival services to help internationally trained professionals integrate into the Canadian job market.
  • JobStart: Since 1980, JobStart has been a community based, non-profit agency that connects GTA job seekers and employers.
  • Skills for Change: Skills for Change is known for delivering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends to support employment.
  • Seneca: Seneca offers many programs for newcomers to Canada that assist with job search, job placement, career planning, language instruction, and culture in the workplace.
  • WoodGreen: A founding United Way member agency, WoodGreen creates opportunities for more than 37,000 individuals and families each year through hundreds of staff, partners organizations, and volunteers.

Professional Immigrant Networks (PINs)

The Professional Immigrant Networks is a collection of partner organizations and professional associations who support the development of immigrant professionals in their careers in Canada. PINs connects employers with immigrant communities and provides ways to communicate and promote their business. Associations in the network are led by immigrants and serve a wide range of professions and communities. Search the PINs directory to find professional associations supporting immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Develop Your Workforce with Hiring and Training Grants

Aside from hiring international workers, Canadian businesses have several domestic hiring and training options.

Proactive businesses can receive Canadian government grants and loans to hire youth graduates or train members of their existing workforce to build new skillsets.

Mentor Works has developed educational and planning resources to help businesses understand the options available.

  • Canadian Small Business Funding Guide: The Canadian Small Business Funding Guide will help businesses to prioritize strategic projects and find grants and loans to extend cash flow for hiring and training needs.
  • Hiring Grant Finder: Fill out Mentor Works’ Hiring Grant Finder contact form to tell us more about the types of hires you’re planning to take on. We can then recommend a plan to optimize your use of government funding programs.
  • How to Find and Recruit Top Talent: In this slide deck, managers can compare top Canadian job boards and learn how Canadian government grants can be used to offset the costs of your new hire.

Finding and Recruiting Top Talent Outside of Canada (1)

Finding and Recruiting Top Talent Outside of Canada (2024)

FAQs

How can I get a job offer from outside Canada? ›

What are Requirements for Canada Work Permit?
  1. Complete visa application form.
  2. Valid passport.
  3. Valid employment (job) offer from authentic Canadian employer or Arranged Employment Offer (AEO)
  4. Letter of invitation.
  5. Copy of positive LMIA (in the name of applicant)
  6. Relevant work experience certificate.
21 Sept 2021

Where can I recruit top talent? ›

Here are steps you can take to recruit top talent, either as an HR professional or a hiring manager:
  1. Create a positive workplace culture. ...
  2. Develop effective job descriptions. ...
  3. Know your best sources for talent. ...
  4. Plan interviews based on talent. ...
  5. Verify candidates' credentials. ...
  6. Make an offer fast.

Do Canadian companies hire from outside Canada? ›

Canadian employers hire hundreds of thousands of international workers every year through more than 100 different work permit pathways.

Can I hire someone from another country in Canada? ›

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. Before you can hire a temporary worker for a Canadian job, in most cases you must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Is it possible to get a job offer from Canada from outside Canada? ›

It is not easy at all, but not impossible. There are multiple factors that can increase your chances of getting a job offer from a Canadian employer. It may be your specialized industry, your exceptional skills, your consistent job vacancy applications, your networking skills, etc.

Who can sponsor me from Canada? ›

To apply as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years of age and a: Canadian citizen or. person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or. permanent resident of Canada.

How do you attract employees in 2022? ›

Ultimate Guide To Attract And Retain Talent In 2022
  1. 1 Offer Retention Bonuses.
  2. 2 Be Realistic About Requirements.
  3. 3 Target Workers With Gaps in Their Resume.
  4. 4 Offer Flexible Working Options.
  5. 5 Offer Remote Working.
  6. 6 Create Wellness Programs.
  7. 7 Contact the Professionals at Business Benefits Group.
23 May 2022

How do recruiters find talents? ›

10 Candidate Sourcing Strategies to Find Top Talent
  1. Align with your hiring managers.
  2. Sourcing candidates from your ATS.
  3. Diversify candidate sourcing channels.
  4. Include offline recruitment methods.
  5. Utilize your employees' networks for sourcing candidates.
  6. Source candidates for roles you don't have open yet.

How can I be a good Sourcer? ›

Top Qualities of A Great Talent Sourcer by Jan Tegze
  1. Ability to think beyond restrictions. The advent of the internet and social media has made this a necessary trait that any talent sourcer must have. ...
  2. Willingness to develop new skill sets and hone old ones. ...
  3. Tech-savviness. ...
  4. Curiosity. ...
  5. Persistence. ...
  6. Good Organization. ...
  7. Passion.
5 Apr 2019

How do I hire internationally? ›

How to Hire Foreign Employees: 5 Steps
  1. 1) Understand your hiring options. ...
  2. 2) Start early. ...
  3. 3) Make the necessary preparations within your company. ...
  4. 4) Obtain a certification from the Department of Labor. ...
  5. 5) Petition USCIS for visas.

Why more Canadian employers are hiring foreign workers? ›

One reason that Canadian businesses are hiring more foreign workers, is because there are a lot of job vacancies that need to be filled. For the past year, Canada has had a record number of job vacancies.

How do you recruit an international employee? ›

How to Hire International Employees: 5 Steps
  1. Prepare for cultural and legal alignment.
  2. Set up a global recruiting strategy.
  3. Factor in additional time and resources for hiring.
  4. Designate a team to manage the international hiring process.
  5. Train your workforce to promote diversity and collaboration.

How much does it cost to hire a foreign worker in Canada? ›

Employers must pay $1,000 for each position requested (for example $1,000 x number of positions=total payment) to cover the cost of processing a dual intent LMIA application. The processing fee payment (in Canadian dollars) can be made by: Visa. MasterCard.

How much does it cost to sponsor a foreign worker? ›

How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor a Visa? In general, a visa sponsorship costs approximately $4000 but may cost $8-9,000 if a company has more than fifty employees and 50% of those employees are foreign nationals.

Can I sponsor a foreign worker? ›

Under certain conditions, U.S. immigration law may allow a U.S. employer to file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of a prospective foreign national employee.

How can I get job offer from USA to Canada? ›

How to get a job in Canada as a foreigner
  1. Look for job opportunities. ...
  2. Secure a job offer. ...
  3. Apply for a work permit. ...
  4. Pick a skilled worker permit. ...
  5. Apply through a system called Express Entry. ...
  6. An alternative way is to get invited by the province or territory through the Provincial Nominee Program.
8 Jun 2022

Can I get job offer from Canada without PR? ›

Yes, it is possible to get the job without any PR status! Canada's constructive work permit system enables foreign workers to input several jobs throughout the country.

Can I go to Canada without ielts for job? ›

No, it is not possible to work in Canada without a good IELTS score even if you have two years of work experience. Anyone applying for a Permanent Resident Visa in Canada must take the IELTS exam. In Express Entry, your IELTS score will have a significant impact on your CRS score.

How much money do you need to sponsor someone in Canada? ›

If you are sponsoring a person other than: your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner who has no family members, or.
...
Table 1 - Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
Size of Family UnitMinimum necessary income
1 person (the sponsor)$26,620
2 persons$33,140
3 persons$40,742
4 persons$49,466
4 more rows
26 Jul 2022

Can a Canadian citizen sponsor a friend? ›

Friend. Currently there is no direct sponsorship program for friend of Canadian citizen or permanent resident. However, friends of permanent residents or Canadian citizens may apply for visitor visa, if they are from non-visa-exempt country.

What is the age limit to sponsorship in Canada? ›

Is there an age limit for sponsorship in Canada? To sponsor a family member, Canadian citizens or permanent residents must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit to sponsor a family member to come to Canada.

How do I get a valid job offer in Canada? ›

A valid job offer has to be:
  1. made by one employer.
  2. continuous.
  3. paid.
  4. full-time (at least 30 hours a week)
  5. not seasonal.
  6. for at least one year after we issue your permanent resident visa.
  7. in a job that is NOC: Skill Type 0 or. Skill Levels A or B.
4 Aug 2022

How do I get hired by a Canadian employer? ›

Follow these simple steps to prepare yourself and get the best possible chance of finding a Canadian job offer:
  1. Step One: Format your CV by Canadian standards. ...
  2. Step Two: Write a cover letter Canadian employers will love. ...
  3. Step Three: Ensure you're using LinkedIn to your advantage. ...
  4. Step Four: Apply for the right jobs.

Can a friend sponsor me to Canada? ›

If your friend or family member wants to visit Canada, they must apply to the Canadian visa office responsible for his or her country or region. A visa officer will review the application and decide whether to issue a visa. You can help your friend or family member by writing a letter of invitation.

Can I get a job offer in Canada without PR? ›

Yes, it is possible to get the job without any PR status! Canada's constructive work permit system enables foreign workers to input several jobs throughout the country.

Which job is best to get PR in Canada? ›

  • Nurses.
  • Truck Drivers.
  • Vocational Institutes.
  • Business Managers Consultants.
  • Welder.
  • Software engineer.
  • Electrician.
  • Steamfitter and Pipefitter.

Which is the easiest province to immigrate to Canada? ›

4 Easiest Provinces to Get PR in Canada in 2022
  • #1 – Saskatchewan's International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry. ...
  • #2 – Alberta's Express Entry Stream. ...
  • #3 – Ontario's Human Capital Priorities Stream. ...
  • #4 – Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities Stream. ...
  • Which PNP is Right for You?
22 Aug 2022

Is it advisable to migrate to Canada at 40? ›

Canada offers a quality life and ecosystem to raise a family with a free public education system and quality healthcare. However, most of these Canadian immigration programs give preference to younger applicants. The good news is that there are still plenty of options for immigration to Canada after 45.

How can an employer sponsor a foreign worker? ›

Under certain conditions, U.S. immigration law may allow a U.S. employer to file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of a prospective foreign national employee.

Do companies sponsor visa in Canada? ›

CanadianVisa.org notes that Canadian companies don't necessarily “sponsor” foreign workers, but they do assist in applying for an LMIA on your behalf to Employment and Social Development (ESDC) Canada.

Can a Canadian company hire a US employee? ›

When a Canadian business hires an American employee — who will be paid within the United States — there are several requirements to fulfill before they are eligible to work: Establish an American business address — This address cannot be a P.O. box, it must be a physical address.

How much money do you need to sponsor someone in Canada? ›

If you are sponsoring a person other than: your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner who has no family members, or.
...
Table 1 - Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
Size of Family UnitMinimum necessary income
1 person (the sponsor)$26,620
2 persons$33,140
3 persons$40,742
4 persons$49,466
4 more rows
26 Jul 2022

How much does it cost to sponsor someone to come to Canada? ›

To grant sponsorship, the Canadian government requires the payment of the following fees: $75 Sponsorship fee for all categories. $75 Processing fee for all categories. $490 Right of permanent residence fee (isn't required for dependent children or orphaned relatives under the age of 18.

Which country can visit Canada without visa? ›

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, ...

Which countries offer work visa without job offer? ›

The top 10 easiest countries to get a work visa are the following:
  • Estonia.
  • Norway & Svalbard.
  • Australia.
  • New Zealand.
  • Germany.
  • Netherlands.
  • South Korea.
  • Canada.

How long can I work in Canada without PR? ›

If you study a program that's at least 8 months long in Canada then you may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit that allows you to work anywhere in Canada for the same duration of time as your study program. For example, if you completed a 3-year degree then you can work in Canada for 3 years.

What is the easiest way to migrate to Canada? ›

Easiest Ways to Immigrate to Canada in 2022
  1. #1 – Express Entry. Express Entry is Canada's fastest and most popular immigration program. ...
  2. #2 – Provincial Nominee Programs. Throughout the pandemic, provinces continued to nominate overseas workers for Canadian permanent residence. ...
  3. #3 – Business Immigration. ...
  4. #4 – Sponsorship.

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