Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Each year, employers in British Columbia hire thousands of temporary workers from countries around the world. These workers gain Canadian work experience while helping B.C. meet the demand for short-term labour.

Would you like to join them? If so, you may need a Work Permit.

There are several steps that you must take in order to become a Temporary Foreign Worker in British Columbia.

  • Find a job: You must have a job offer from an eligible Canadian employer in order to obtain a Work Permit. You can use the Working in B.C., Canada Tool to find a job from anywhere in the world.

  • Find out if you meet the criteria for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website to see if you meet the criteria for the program. In most cases, you will require a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from the federal government to prove that your employer is able to hire a foreign worker. It is usually the employer’s responsibility to obtain the LMO.

  • Find out if you require a Temporary Resident Visa: You may require a Temporary Resident Visa in order to enter Canada. If you do, then you will have to apply for a Work Permit before you come to Canada—not at the port of entry or inside Canada.

  • Apply for a Work Permit: A Work Permit is required for most temporary jobs in Canada, but not all of them. Learn more about applying for a Work Permit at the CIC website. The website has up-to-date information, checklists and application forms.

  • After you apply for a Work Permit: CIC may request additional information or documents. You may be interviewed by CIC officials or asked to have a medical exam before a decision can be made.

  • If your application is approved: CIC will return your documents and passport and send you a W1 Visa and a Letter of Authorization. When you arrive in Canada you must show these documents to an immigration agent, who will then issue a Work Permit that sets out the conditions of your stay and work in Canada. A Work Permit may include your job title, your employer, your province of employment, and the length of time you can work in Canada.

Come to Canada Wizard

An online tool is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website that can help you to determine if you are eligible to come to Canada as an immigrant, temporary resident or visitor.

 Learn More


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