There are many jobs available for foreigners in Canada. But beware! Many rules have been established to protect Canadians, permanent residents and newcomers alike. It is therefore imperative for employers to understand the  different types of jobs that can be filled internationally and the rules governing each of them.

Temporary foreign workers

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) was created to enable Canadian employers to hire foreign workers in the event of temporary labour shortages. However, it must first be demonstrated that it is impossible to fill these positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Two broad job categories: high and low wage jobs

From the government’s point of view, there are two classes of temporary foreign workers, those with low wages and those with high wages. These are calculated based on Quebec’s median salary of $21.75/h. The median wages of other provinces are available here.

High wage

• This category includes all jobs whose wage is equal or greater than $21.75h, as well as professions that benefit from simplified processing.
• This includes jobs such as welders, painters, truck drivers or computer scientists.
• For this type of job, the worker is responsible to purchase their round-trip airfare. In addition, the worker must pay the first three months of private health insurance, with the exception of some countries such as the Philippines, which have special requirements around this. However, the employer will have to assume these costs in advance, and then take them out of the workers’ pay.

Low wage

• In this case, the employer must bear the cost of the round-trip airfare. In addition, the employer must pay the first three months of private health insurance.
• It is also important to note that for a low-wage job, it is not usually possible for the worker to obtain permanent resident status, although there are some exceptions. One way to allow a foreign worker to extend their stay is to re-apply for a permit once the first one has expired.
• A Canadian company considering hiring temporary foreign workers for low-paid employment must not use them to constitute more than 10% of its total workforce, unless it meets certain criteria, including the requirement to have fewer than 10 workers or offer a job of less than 180 days. For a complete list of exceptions, contact our team of advisors.

Higher-paying jobs are more favourable

As a general rule, many employers find it more attractive to invest in an international recruitment process for high-paying jobs. In fact, it is easier to obtain permits and is often more profitable, since those workers can be employed longer and even possibly apply for permanent residence.

Schedule a meeting with Job Alliance’s Advisors to assess your current situation and to determine whether hiring foreign workers is a worthwhile investment.