Work

Labor Market Opinion (LMO) -

Under this category the employer submits a labor market opinion to the Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) to confirm the employer can fill the job with a foreign worker. Your employer will not be required to secure a LMO under the following categories (these categories require a work permit but not an LMO):

• Workers covered under international treaty agreements
• Entrepreneurs and intra-company transferees
• Participants in exchange programs
• Co-op students
• Spouses
• Academics and students
• Religious Workers

This category requires a work permit but not a labor market opinion. To qualify you must be transferring from one organization to a related entity in Canada and have specialized knowledge. They applicant must have worked at least one year in the preceding three years for the same or affiliated employer and be transferred to work temporarily in Canada.

International Treaty Agreement -

North American Free Trade Act- NAFTA Applies to citizens of Canada, United States, and Mexico. The agreement includes the four specific categories of business people: business visitors, professionals, intra-company transferees, trade and investors.

Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement- CCFTA applies to Canadian and Chilean citizens. The agreement covers the four basic categories of business people: business visitors, professionals, intra-company transferees, trade and investors.

General Agreement on Trade in Services – GATS applies to more than 140 World Trade Organization member countries. The agreement applies to the three business categories: business visitors, professionals, and intra company transferees.

Business

A Temporary Residence Visa is issued for business visitors who require a visa to enter Canada for the purpose of business (networking, client meetings). In some circumstances a Medical Examination is also required. To qualify as a business visitor you must show that you have a passport, be in good health, show that you have ties to your home country (such as job, home and family), show that you will leave Canada at the end of your trip, and have enough money to support your stay.

Study

A Student Visa is granted to applicants who have been accepted to a recognized school, university, or college in Canada. The applicant must also show that they have enough money to live and pay for their tuition, be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record, and be in good health.

Visit/Family/Marriage

A Temporary Residence visa is issued for tourism visitors who require a visa to enter Canada for the purpose of tourism (visiting, site seeing). In some circumstances a Medical Examination is also required. To qualify as a tourist visitor you must show that you have a passport, be in good health, show that you have ties to your home country (such as job, home and family), show that you will leave Canada at the end of your trip, and have enough money to support your stay.

Permanent Residence

Federal Skilled Worker - To qualify for this category you must have the qualifications as outlined by the Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism and meet the follow criteria: you have an offer of arranged employment (or) you are a foreign national who has been living legally in Canada for one year as a foreign worker or student (or) you are a skilled worker with at least one year of experience in one or more of the specified occupations list. In addition to the above you must also have the relevant experience in your industry as well as certain personal qualifications (for example age, education, financial support). Provincial PNP - Under this category the employer must file the nomination with the province or territory (Certificate of Provincial Nomination) which is evaluated on the province/territory’s immigration needs and the genuine intention to settle there. Once the company receives approval, the employee’s application can be submitted.