How to Hire Foreign Workers in Canada: The 2026 Employer Guide
Canada plans to welcome 230,000 new temporary foreign workers in 2026, far fewer than in recent years. At the same time, employers face tighter caps on low-wage hiring, longer advertising requirements and closer compliance scrutiny. For businesses that depend on international talent, the question is no longer just “Can we hire foreign workers?” but “Which route fits this role, and how do we stay compliant?”
This guide gives Canadian employers and HR teams a clear map of every main way to hire foreign workers in 2026, with costs, timelines, obligations and a decision framework for choosing the right route.
Quick Summary
Employers can hire foreign workers in three main ways: through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), through the International Mobility Program without an LMIA, or by hiring people who already hold open work permits. LMIAs cost $1,000 per position and require recruitment efforts. LMIA-exempt hires usually require a $230 employer compliance fee and an offer of employment. Hiring open work permit holders requires no immigration application from the employer.
The Three Main Hiring Routes
| Route | When to use it | Employer cost and effort |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA) | No exemption applies and you cannot fill the role locally | $1,000 per position; recruitment advertising; ESDC assessment |
| International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt) | The worker fits an exemption, such as a trade agreement, intra-company transfer or significant benefit | $230 compliance fee; offer of employment through the Employer Portal |
| Open work permit holders | The candidate already holds an open permit, such as a PGWP, spousal or bridging permit | No employer immigration application; verify work authorization |
Route 1: Hiring Through an LMIA
An LMIA is Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) assessment of whether hiring a foreign worker will hurt the Canadian labour market. Key features in 2026:
- Stream depends on wage: high-wage if the wage meets the provincial or territorial threshold (median hourly wage plus 20%), low-wage if below.
- Recruitment: at least 4 consecutive weeks of advertising for high-wage roles and 8 consecutive weeks for low-wage roles, within the 3 months before applying.
- Low-wage cap: generally 10% of your workforce at a location, or 20% in sectors such as construction, food manufacturing, hospitals and nursing facilities.
- Refusal to process: low-wage applications are not processed in census metropolitan areas with unemployment of 6% or higher, subject to exceptions.
- Special streams: Global Talent Stream, agricultural streams and in-home caregivers.
Route 2: Hiring Without an LMIA
The International Mobility Program covers workers who qualify for an LMIA exemption, including professionals under trade agreements such as CUSMA, CETA and CPTPP, intra-company transferees, francophone mobility workers, International Experience Canada participants and significant benefit cases. For employer-specific permits, you pay the $230 compliance fee and submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal.
Hiring a foreign worker and need an LMIA?
Book a ConsultationRoute 3: Hiring Open Work Permit Holders
Many talented candidates in Canada already hold open work permits, including Post-Graduation Work Permit holders, eligible spouses and bridging open work permit holders. You can hire them like any other employee, but you must verify their work authorization and track permit expiry dates.
Choosing the Right Route: A Decision Framework
Step 1: Can you hire locally or an open permit holder?
Always consider Canadians, permanent residents and open work permit holders first.
Step 2: Does the candidate qualify for an LMIA exemption?
If yes, the International Mobility Program is usually faster and cheaper.
Step 3: If not, which LMIA stream applies?
Check the wage threshold, location, caps and special streams.
Step 4: Plan the timeline
Factor in recruitment, processing and the worker’s permit application.
Costs Employers Should Budget For
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| LMIA processing fee | $1,000 per position (some caregiver and agricultural positions exempt) |
| Employer compliance fee (IMP) | $230 per worker |
| Recruitment advertising | Varies by method |
| Low-wage obligations | Round-trip transportation, housing support, private health insurance until provincial coverage |
| Professional support | Optional consultant or lawyer fees |
Employers cannot recover LMIA fees or recruitment costs from workers.
Compliance From Day One
Whatever route you choose, you must provide the wages, duties and working conditions you promised, maintain a workplace free of abuse, and keep records. ESDC and IRCC can inspect employers, and non-compliance can lead to penalties, bans and public listing.
How Can X Global Solutions Helps Employers
Can X Global Solutions combines recruitment and regulated immigration services. Over 10+ years, we have helped employers across Canada find, hire and retain talent from more than 30 countries, from LMIA strategy to compliance support.
Explore our employer recruitment solutions, global hiring services and LMIA services, or get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a Canadian employer hire a foreign worker?
Employers can hire through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program with an LMIA, through the International Mobility Program if the worker qualifies for an LMIA exemption, or by hiring candidates who already hold open work permits. The right route depends on the role, wage, location and the worker’s situation.
How much does it cost to hire a foreign worker in Canada?
An LMIA costs $1,000 per position, with exemptions for certain caregiver and agricultural roles. LMIA-exempt hires usually require a $230 employer compliance fee. Employers may also pay for recruitment and, for low-wage roles, transportation, housing support and health insurance. Employers cannot charge these costs to workers.
Do I need an LMIA to hire a PGWP holder?
No. Post-Graduation Work Permit holders have open work permits, so you can hire them without an LMIA or an offer of employment submission. Verify their work authorization and track their permit expiry, because their status depends on the permit’s validity.
How long does it take to hire a foreign worker in Canada?
It depends on the route. Hiring an open work permit holder can be immediate. LMIA-exempt hires depend on IRCC work permit processing. LMIA hires add 4 to 8 weeks of advertising plus ESDC processing, so many employers plan for several months from recruitment to arrival.
How This Guide Helps You
Hiring foreign workers can solve real labour shortages, but choosing the wrong route wastes time and money. This guide gives employers a clear comparison of every main option, realistic costs and a simple decision framework. With it, HR teams can plan hiring confidently and stay compliant from day one.
Partner with Can X Global Solutions to handle more cases with confidence. Our recruitment and immigration team helps employers hire international talent the right way.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
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