Immigration Information
The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program is administered by two federal government departments: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), and Service Canada.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows qualified foreign professionals to enter Canada for the purpose of working with a Canadian employer.
To learn more about becoming a temporary skilled foreign worker in Alberta, visit the following websites
Foreign individuals seeking to work temporarily in Canada require an official signed Offer of Employment letter, a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) and a work permit.
Labour Market Opinion
Before a Canadian company can hire a foreign worker, all job offers must be approved by Service Canada. This government department reviews the Canadian labour market to determine whether a labour shortage justifies hiring foreign workers.
If Service Canada agrees that it is appropriate to hire a skilled foreign worker in your profession, they will issue a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) to the employer.
The employer will give you a copy of the LMO to submit with your application for a work permit.
Please note: There are some exemptions for the LMO requirement. These include, but are not limited to, professionals covered under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and spouses of skilled foreign workers.
Work Permit Approval Letter
A work permit is a document issued by Canadian immigration officials that allows a person from a foreign country to work in Canada.
The temporary work permit is issued for a specific job, with a specific employer and for a limited time (typically for one to two years). You must apply for a work permit to a Canadian Immigration visa office (or embassy or consulate) in the country where you are living.
Regardless of your profession, if you will be working in a health care environment you will require a medical examinations that is conducted by an Immigration-approved physician.
If everything is satisfactory, you will receive a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada stating that your application for a work permit is approved.
NAFTA
Under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, citizens of Mexico and the United States of America who are seeking temporary employment in Canada and who are members of specific skilled professions have some different immigration requirements and processes.
Please discuss requirements with Recruitment. It is also important that you check with a Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa office to discuss your situation and specific requirements.
Arriving in Canada
When you arrive in Canada, you will need to see an immigration officer at the port of entry (Canadian border or airport) and present the following documents:
- Your official job offer
- Your work permit approval letter from CIC
- Proof that you are eligible to become registered in your profession
- Your current passport (Alberta Health Services requires that your passport must be valid for at least one year from when you enter Canada.)
If everything is in order, the Canadian Immigration officer at the port of entry will issue your official work permit.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
Once you are in Alberta as a skilled temporary foreign worker, you may apply to become a permanent resident through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.
You will need a permanent job, and your employer will have to nominate you. Alberta Health Services requires that you pass your probationary period before you apply.
For more information about the AINP and a list of eligible occupations, visit the Alberta Employment and Immigration website.
