Top 5 Canadian Companies Sponsoring Foreign Workers

In recent years, the trend of Canadian companies sponsoring foreign workers has gained significant attention. Canada, known for its diverse and inclusive society, has seen a substantial increase in immigration, with immigrants comprising over a quarter of the country’s workforce.

This post explores why Canadian companies are sponsoring foreign workers and highlights some prominent companies that offer sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, it provides valuable information about work permits, including open work permits and employer-specific work permits.

Why Are Canadian Companies Sponsoring Foreign Workers?

Canada’s aging population and low birth rate have created a demand for skilled workers. To ensure the smooth functioning of their businesses, Canadian firms are increasingly seeking immigrants with the necessary skills and qualifications. Although Canadian businesses may not directly “sponsor” foreign workers, they can assist in the application process for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Benefits of Applying for an LMIA:

Obtaining a work visa in Canada should be a priority for individuals seeking employment opportunities. By securing a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), applicants become eligible for a work visa. It is essential to find an employer who is willing to guide you through the application process and cover the associated fees.

Top 5 Canadian Companies Sponsoring Foreign Workers:

Google Canada:

As an equal opportunity employer, Google Canada offers a wide range of opportunities across fields such as Engineering and Technology, Sales, Legal, and Design. Proficiency in English or French, along with relevant experience, increases the chances of securing employment at Google’s Canadian office.

P&H Farming:

Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) is a renowned Canadian agricultural company with over a century of experience. Due to the significance of agriculture in Canada, companies like P&H hire foreign workers to address labor shortages and ensure food availability. Prior experience and a younger age can enhance the chances of success in the application process.

KPMG:

A leading auditing and tax consultancy firm based in Vancouver, KPMG offers sponsorship opportunities not only to seasoned professionals and executives but also to students in training. The company’s commitment to diversity and equity is reflected in its inclusive hiring practices.

Amazon

Amazon is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It offers a range of benefits to employees and their eligible family members, including health insurance and resources to support overall well-being.

Elastic Path:

A Vancouver-based company, Elastic Path specializes in headless commerce systems that connect eCommerce with Enterprise Resource Planning. Positions are available in various departments, including Business Development, HR, Marketing and Product Development, and Sales.

Understanding Work Permits:

A work permit is a legal document or card that allows individuals to work in Canada. There are two categories of work permits:

1. Open Work Permit: This type of work permit has no restrictions regarding employment or a specific company. It does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer.
2. Employer-Specific Work Permit: This work permit is limited to a particular job and employer. If individuals wish to work for another company, they must apply for a new work permit, although, in most cases, they can retain their current one.

Canadian Work Permit Application

To obtain an open work permit, individuals must meet specific requirements, such as being a spouse or common-law partner of a temporary foreign

When applying for a work permit in Canada, there are two main categories to consider: the Open Work Permit and the Employer-Specific Work Permit.

Open Work Permit:

• No restrictions on employment or specific company.
• Does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer.

Eligibility Criteria

• Spouse or common-law partner of a temporary foreign worker in Level O, A, or B occupations.
• Spouse or common-law partner of an overseas student enrolled full-time.
• An international student who has completed studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Employer-Specific Work Permit:

• Restricted to a specific job and employer.
• In most cases, individuals can keep their current work permit if switching employers.
• Requires a job offer and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• LMIA is obtained by the employer and demonstrates a need for hiring a foreign worker.

Canadian Work Permit Application Tips

When applying for a work permit in Canada, there are certain key details to keep in mind:

Eligibility:

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific work permit category you are applying for, whether it’s an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit.

Job Offer:

For an employer-specific work permit, you will need a job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must meet certain requirements and may require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

LMIA:

A positive LMIA indicates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position, as no Canadians or permanent residents are available. The employer typically applies for the LMIA, which you will need to support your work permit application.

Application Forms:

Fill out the appropriate application forms for the work permit category you are applying for. This typically includes the application form itself, as well as additional supporting documents.

Supporting Documents:

Gather the necessary supporting documents, which may include your passport, educational certificates, proof of work experience, language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other documents specified by the immigration authorities.

Biometrics and Medical Examinations:

In some cases, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated location. Additionally, a medical examination may be required to ensure you meet health requirements.

Application Fee:

Pay the required application fee, which varies depending on the type of work permit and other factors. Check the current fee on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Submission:

Submit your complete application along with all supporting documents, either online through the IRCC website or by mail to the appropriate processing center.

Processing Time:

The processing time for work permits can vary, so it’s important to check the estimated processing times on the IRCC website. Factors such as the workload of the immigration office and the completeness of your application can affect processing times.

Follow-Up:

After submitting your application, monitor the progress of your application online or through the IRCC’s client portal. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documents.

In conclusion, Canadian companies sponsoring foreign workers provide valuable opportunities for individuals seeking employment in Canada. With a diverse and inclusive work environment, these companies are actively recruiting skilled immigrants to contribute to their success. Understanding the different types of work permits and their requirements is crucial when pursuing employment opportunities in Canada. By taking advantage of the sponsorship programs offered by Canadian companies, individuals can embark on exciting professional journeys and contribute to Canada’s thriving workforce.