Unlocking the Benefits of Hiring Foreign Workers in Canada

9 of February, 2023

As an employer in Canada, you may have considered hiring foreign workers to join your team. The benefits of doing so are plentiful, from access to a larger pool of talent to meeting labour demands. However, some certain policies and procedures must be followed when hiring foreign workers.

In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of hiring foreign workers, the necessary immigration policies for recruitment, and what employers need to know before committing to a foreign hire.

Who Are The Foreign Workers Living in Canada?

Foreign workers are individuals who come to Canada from other countries to fill certain job positions. These workers are often hired to fill specific roles that require specific skills, knowledge, or abilities. Many employers are looking to foreign workers to fill labour shortages and to bring a unique set of skills and experience to their workforce.

Canada has always been a nation of immigrants, and the country recognizes the value of foreign workers. As a result, the Canadian government has created some policies and programs to ensure that foreign workers receive the same rights and protections as Canadian citizens.

Canada has also established agreements with certain countries that allow foreign workers to come to Canada to work. These agreements are known as the International Mobility Programs, and they provide foreign workers with the ability to work in Canada without the need for a work permit.

Benefits of Hiring Foreign Workers in Canada

Hiring foreign workers can bring many benefits to your business. Most importantly, foreign workers can fill labour shortages and help you meet labour demands.

Foreign workers can also bring new perspectives, ideas, and skills to your team. They can provide a unique view of how to solve problems. As well as a different cultural understanding of the world.

Foreign workers can also help you gain access to new markets. For example, if you’re looking to expand into international markets, a foreign worker may be able to help you navigate the cultural and language barriers.

Another benefit of hiring foreign workers is that they often come to Canada with a high level of education and experience. This can help you create a more diversified workforce, which can lead to increased productivity and innovation.

Canadian Immigration Policies for Foreign Workers

If you’re looking to hire foreign workers, it’s important to understand the relevant immigration policies. In Canada, foreign workers must meet certain criteria to be eligible to work in the country.

The first step is to determine if the foreign worker is eligible to work in Canada. This is done by checking the applicable Canadian laws, as well as the applicable international mobility agreements.

Once it’s determined that the foreign worker is eligible to work in Canada, the employer must then apply for a work permit. The work permit is issued by the Canadian government. The permit allows the foreign worker to work in the country for a certain period.

Once the work permit is issued, the foreign worker must go through the process of obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The TRV is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign workers to remain in the country while they are working.

What Employers Need to Know About Hiring Foreign Workers

There are a few key things that employers need to know when hiring foreign workers. First, employers must ensure that they are following all applicable Canadian laws and regulations when it comes to hiring foreigners.

This includes making sure that the foreign worker is eligible to work in Canada and that they have all the necessary documents, such as a work permit and a TRV, previously mentioned.

It’s also important for employers to understand any relevant international mobility agreements. These agreements can provide foreign workers with the ability to work in Canada without the need for a work permit.

Lastly, employers must ensure that they are providing fair wages and working conditions to foreign workers. This is essential for ensuring that the rights of foreign workers are respected in Canada.

Foreign Workers in Canada: An Overview

The influx of foreign workers to Canada has been steadily increasing in recent years. From 2017 to 2018, the number of foreign workers in Canada increased by 2.7%. This resulted in a total of almost 900,000 foreigners arriving in Canada in 2018. This increase is likely because Canada is seen as a desirable destination for foreign workers.

Most foreign workers come to Canada from the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. In 2018, the majority of foreign workers (64%) were employed in the following industries: healthcare and social assistance, professional and scientific services, and accommodation and food services.

Foreign workers are also an important part of the Canadian economy. In 2018, the total number of foreign-born workers in Canada was just over 6 million. Accounting for almost one-third of the total Canadian workforce.

Challenges of Hiring Foreigners in Canada

While hiring foreign workers can bring many benefits to your business, there are also some challenges that you should be aware of.

The most significant challenge is the cost. Hiring a foreign worker requires a significant investment of time and resources, such as obtaining a work permit and a TRV. In addition, employers must ensure that they are providing fair wages and working conditions to foreign workers.

Another challenge is that it can be difficult to find foreign workers with the right skills and experience. Many workers come to Canada to learn a new language or gain new job experience. As a result, employers may have to invest additional resources in training and mentoring foreign workers.

Finally, employers must also be aware of the various Canadian laws and regulations when it comes to hiring foreign workers. This includes ensuring that the foreign worker is eligible to work in Canada and that they have all the necessary documents.

Conclusion

Hiring foreign workers can be a great way to fill labour shortages and bring new skills and perspectives to your team. However, employers must be aware of the various Canadian immigration policies and procedures when it comes to hiring foreign workers. 

If you’re considering hiring foreign workers, it’s important to understand the benefits and challenges associated with doing so. By taking the time to understand the relevant policies and procedures, you can ensure that you’re providing a safe and positive working environment for foreign workers.

When it comes the time to hire foreigners for your company in Canada, Sesame can help. Using our recruitment tool, everything will be easier, as you will have a database of all applicants in one place. Try Sesame with a 14-day free trial right now!