Hire Internationally Trained Workers

Many employers want to hire local workers, but have trouble filling vacancies. If this is your experience, it may be time to broaden your search. Learn more about how to recruit and hire internationally trained workers (ITWs). ITWs include immigrants, refugees, international students, and Canadians who trained or worked outside of the country.
 
Consider the advantages of hiring internationally trained workers:

• Fill vacancies with qualified people.  Many ITWs have the skills and talents to help your business.
• Increase effectiveness. ITWs can give you a new perspective. They can bring fresh ways of thinking and problem solving.
• Increase the reach of your business. Many ITWs bring cultural richness and speak languages other than English. This experience can help your business connect with new markets, customers, and prospective employees.

Who can work in Canada:

• All permanent residents
• Work permit holders
• Some international students

Hiring workers who are in B.C.

First, look for workers here in British Columbia. Canadian citizens, immigrants, refugees, international students, and temporary foreign workers may be here and looking for work.

• You can post jobs and find talent by using WorkBC’s job board.
• Immigrant settlement agencies help newcomers connect with employers.
• The Immigrant Employment Council of BC works to integrate immigrants into British Columbia’s labour market.

Hiring workers who are overseas

Hiring workers from overseas and helping them immigrate to Canada through one of several federal or provincial/territorial immigration programs can be complex and time-consuming. Review the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to get information about the different immigration programs, processes, and timelines. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers employer tools and resources to help you hire workers overseas, as well as immigrants already in B.C.
 
Checking resumes and credentials
Ask job candidates to provide contact information so that you can get in touch with educational institutions, former employers, and references. Certificates, diplomas and degrees from other countries may be the equivalent of Canadian educational credentials. 

Use these resources to evaluate resumes and credentials from another country:

• Hire Immigrant Talent – Check out the resources from the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, including the Resume Review Centre.
• British Columbia Regulatory Authorities – Find the organizations that regulate various professions and trades.
• International Credential Evaluation Service – Use the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s service to evaluate foreign credentials.
• IRCC: Employers Roadmap – information on assessing qualifications and experience

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. Before you can hire a temporary worker for a Canadian job, in most cases you must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA will determine whether any Canadian workers are available to do the job. Find out if you need a Labour Market Impact Assessment and how to get one.

Employers who hire temporary foreign workers in B.C. are required by law to register with the provincial government. Find out more about employer registration requirements.

Find out more about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. 
 

International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
 
In most cases, to hire a temporary worker through the IMP, you must pay a fee and submit an offer of employment form through the employer portal. Certain employers are exempt, as are temporary workers in Canada who have an open work permit.
 
Various conditions may apply. Get more information about hiring a temporary worker through the International Mobility Program. 
 

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) provides access to existing permanent residence pathways for skilled refugees. Designated NGO partners help you identify eligible EMPP candidates abroad with the skills and experience needed in the labour market. NGOs facilitate the match between employers and EMPP candidates.

Find out how  B.C. is leveraging the BC Provincial Nominee Program to participate in the EMPP.

Learn more about the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.