There are many immigrants living in Waterloo Region with the education, skills and experience you are looking for as an employer. You may hesitate to hire immigrants because you do not understand the requirements of the Canadian immigration system, or whether you will be subject to processes and fees.
Do not hesitate - arm yourself with information to understand how you can hire an immigrant in Canada
Visit the Government of Canada's website for information about hiring foreign workers.
Hiring permanent residents living in Canada
Permanent residents of Canada have the same right to work as any Canadian citizen. There are no requirements or fees for employers to hire immigrants or refugees who already have their permanent residence status.
Hiring foreign skilled workers through permanent resident streams
Employers who can not find the right talent in Canada can recruit and retain skilled immigrants from abroad. The federal government manages the permanent immigration of skilled workers to Canada via the Express Entry System. Employers who can not find Canadians or permanent residents to fill jobs can hire Express Entry candidates using their normal recruiting and hiring practices.
The federal Job Bank matches employers and job-seekers in the Express Entry system based on respective needs and profiles. As an employer, you will need to create a profile with the Job Bank and you receive list of qualified candidates from the Express Entry system.
Employers in Waterloo Region can access to the federal government's Employer Liaison Network (ELN). ELN officers can provide you information on Express Entry, how it works and economic immigration programs and also help you find skilled workers overseas.
Employers may also recruit skilled foreign workers through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. Eligible employers must submit a free-of-charge pre-screen application to have the position they want to fill approved. If the pre-screen application is approved, the foreign worker that the employer wants to recruit must submit a nominee application within 60 calendar days of the approval of the pre-screen application and submit a nomination fee which can be paid by the applicant or the employer. Employers can find more information about how to apply online.
Hiring temporary foreign workers
Employers can hire temporary foreign workers from outside of Canada to fill temporary labour and skill shortages through several immigration programs. Some programs require the employer to provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to verify that there is no Canadian worker available for the job. You may also have to pay a fee or submit an offer of employment through the federal government's Employer Portal. The Government of Canada provides tools and information to help you determine if you need an LMIA and how to get one.
The federal government's Employer Liaison Network (ELN) can help Canadian employers of temporary foreign workers already authorized to stay in Canada with their transition to permanent residence.
Hiring international students
The Government of Canada provides information for employers seeking to hire eligible international students during their studies or after they graduate.
International students may be eligible to work off campus without a work permit as soon as they begin their studies in Canada. Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the set criteria and applying for a Social Insurance Number.
Employers can hire international students who have completed an eight month or longer program at an eligible Canadian educational institution for up to three years once they attain a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Employers can recruit and retain international student graduates with Canadian work experience for permanent residence through several federal immigration streams.
Employers can also recruit international student graduates through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Eligible employers must submit a free-of-charge pre-screen application to have the position approved. Once the pre-screen application is approved, the qualifying international student must submit a nominee application within 60 calendar days of approval and submit a fee which can be paid by the applicant or the employer.
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