Opportunities for foreign workers

Hiring foreign workers in Canada

Some New Brunswick companies are seeking skilled workers to fill gaps in the labour market. Foreign workers bring the necessary skills and experience to help the province achieve self-sufficiency.

In order to hire a foreign worker in Canada, an employer must submit an application to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) / Service Canada (SC) for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). As part of this application, the employer must disclose those efforts (including advertising) that have been made to recruit Canadians/permanent residents for the job opportunity.

During the LMO application process, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada / Service Canada will consider a number of factors. To learn more about HRSDC / SC LMO assessment criteria, contact your closest HRSDC / SC Foreign Worker Office.

Brief overview of the hiring process

An employer wishing to hire a foreign worker in Canada must undertake the following steps.

Step 1: The employer must select a candidate and must prepare a written job offer signed by both the employer and the foreign worker, which will not exceed one year in duration but is subject to extensions up to a three-year maximum.

Step 2: The employer must apply for a Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada / Service Canada.

Step 3: HRSDC / SC will forward a confirmation (or rejection) letter to the employer indicating the approved employment period for the foreign worker. The employer must then provide a copy of the confirmation letter to the foreign worker. Please note that the foreign worker cannot work in Canada until a valid work permit is issued by Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Step 4: The foreign worker must then apply for a work permit at the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the applicant's country of origin.

Step 5: If the employer is satisfied with the performance of the foreign worker, the employer may make an offer of permanent full time employment to the foreign worker, which will include a revised permanent employer/employee contract. At this time, the foreign worker is eligible to apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for permanent resident status.