Employers - Frequently Asked Questions

Employers We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and their accompanying answers to help you better understand the process of obtaining a Canada work permit (work visa) and other related issues.

Please contact us if you have questions that have not been answered in our FAQ.

1. Who is a foreign worker?
2. What is a work permit?
3. How do you define work in Canada?
4. Who needs a work permit to work in Canada?
5. Who issues the work permit?
6. Are there different types of work permits?
7. Does the Canadian government charge fees to obtain a work permit?
8. What is an HRSDC confirmation?
9. What is an LMO?
10. Will I pay less for a foreign worker than for Canadian citizens or permanent residents?
11. What are the advantages of hiring an employment consultant?
12. What services will you provide to me?


1. Who is a foreign worker?
A foreign worker is a skilled worker or professional who is not a Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada, but may work in Canada on a work permit or after attaining residency.

2. What is a work permit?
Work visas and employment authorizations are known as work permits in Canada. A work permit is a document issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that allows a foreign individual to work at a specific job for a specific employer. Individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada require a valid work permit to work in Canada.

3. How do you define work in Canada?
Canadian Immigration regulations define work as an activity for which remuneration is earned or that competes directly with activities of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labor market.

4. Who needs a work permit to work in Canada?
Generally, individuals who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada require a valid Work Permit to work in Canada. However, foreign workers can do some jobs in Canada without a Work Permit.

5. Who issues the work permit?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), a department of the Canadian government, issues work permits.

6. Are there different types of work permits?
There are two broad categories of work permits; those that relate to jobs that require a Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) confirmation, and those that are exempt from HRSDC confirmation.

7. Does the Canadian government charge fees to obtain a work permit?
The Canadian government charges CAD 150 per work permit application. Additional fees would be necessary if a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is also required.

8. What is an HRSDC confirmation?
An HRSDC confirmation is a letter from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) to your employer stating that giving a job to a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the labour market in Canada. This is also called a “positive labour market opinion.”

9. What is an LMO?
An LMO is the Canadian Labour Market Opinion and will be issued by Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC).

10. Will I pay less for a foreign worker than for Canadian citizens or permanent residents?
HRSDC reviews the wages that companies are offering foreign nationals and compares them to the wages paid to Canadians in the same occupation. If companies are offering wages below rates paid to Canadians in the same occupation, the job offer will not be confirmed. Companies must also provide working conditions that are consistent with federal and/or provincial standards for the occupation and workplace.

11. What are the advantages of hiring an employment consultant?
Employment and recruitment are often time sensitive and getting the services of a legal representative with the expertise in the area of work permits and visas is the most efficient way to proceed.

12. What services will you provide to me?
We source foreign workers for companies in Canada, regardless of occupation. However, our services are available worldwide.

We will evaluate whether a work permit should be required of you and whether or not you are entitled to one. We will consider all aspects of your case to determine the best work permit for you and check if you qualify for an HRSDC exemption. We will guide you on what you need to do to obtain your work permit.

We will manage your application for you to ensure you successfully obtain your work permit. We will help you with the documentation for your application so that the CIC Officer will consider your application in the best light. We will take into consideration all your neutral and beneficial impact on the labour market in Canada.

Since we have been doing this for a long time, we are well aware of the Canadian Government’s service standards. Any developments and/or delays in your application will be clear to us and will allow us to act immediately on your behalf.