Canada - Information for Foreign Workers

Every year, thousands of foreign workers enter Canada to fill needed shortages.

Below you can find out more about :

• working temporarily in Canada;
• spousal employment;
• immigrating to Canada;
• finding employment in Canada;
• labour standards in Canada;
• receiving a Social Insurance Number; and
• paying taxes during your employment in Canada.

Working Temporarily in Canada

In general, Foreign Workers interested in working in Canada must first have a job offer from a Canadian employer and a work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Learn about working temporarily in Canada  from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Spousal Employment

Please note that if you are a foreign worker and already hold a work permit in a Managerial, Professional or Technical occupation (Skill Level O, A, and B of the NOC), there is a facilitated process for your spouse to also work in Canada.

Learn more about the Spousal Program from CIC .

Immigrating to Canada

Every year, Canada welcomes thousands of new residents. Coming to Canada as an immigrant is an exciting opportunity, but also a great challenge.

Learn about immigrating to Canada  from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

PERMANENT JOB OFFERS : A permanent job offer from a Canadian employer or previous Canadian work experience can help you gain permanent residency in Canada under CIC's Skilled Worker Class. Learn about immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker . Learn how an offer from an employer can help you immigrate as a Skilled Worker

 

Labour Standards

As a foreign worker, you are covered by federal and provincial labour standards like Canadian workers.

• Learn more information on whether you are covered under federal or provincial labour standards in Canada noting that provincial labour laws apply to 90% of the Canadian workforce and federal standards cover approximately 10%.
  
• Learn more information on contacting provincial labour ministries and your rights in each province.

As a reference, you may also download the "Guide to Labor and Employment Laws for Migrant Workers in Canada".

Being familiar with your labour protections can improve your workplace well-being during your stay in Canada.

 

Obtaining a Social Insurance Number

In addition to all Citizenship and Immigration Canada requirements, after receiving a work permit from CIC, you need to obtain a Social Insurance Number from HRSDC when working in Canada. The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Canadian government programs, noting that all Canadians (and foreign workers) require a SIN to work in Canada or to receive government benefits.

• Learn more about obtaining a Social Insurance Number

Taxes

If you work temporarily in Canada during the tax year, you may have to file a Canadian tax income return. Review the following section for information about your Canadian tax obligations .

Last modified :  2003-08-11

Source: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/epb/lmd/fw/inffornat.shtml