One of the more complex areas of immigration law is in the area of temporary foreign workers.  The regulations governing this category are designed to keep the labour market in equilibrium and to have a positive effect on the economy.  These workers are most valuable when they address labour shortages which allows employers to carry on with business.

The majority of foreign workers require a work permit (see who does not require a work permit).  As well, before most work permits will be issued, the employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC).  To complicate this further, some work permits must be applied for overseas, others can be obtained from within Canada, and others can be issued upon entry to Canada (depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship).

See Working temporarily in Canada for all the details in regard to work permits and working in Canada.

If your work permit will soon expire, you can apply to have it renewed-apply at least 30 days before expiry.  Alternatively, if you failed to renew your work permit and it expired, you must apply for restoration within 90 days of the expiry or you will have to leave Canada.  The Guide Applying to Change Conditions or Extend your Stay in Canada sets out the rules in this area.

Many temporary foreign workers decide to apply for permanent residency.  The Canada Experience Class is an option for those workers who have worked for at least two years in a job that is in level “0″, “A” or “B” and who have the appropriate level of language ability.  Also, the SINP Skilled Worker category is an option for those temporary foreign workers who have worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months on a work permit.

It is anticipated that more and more temporary workers will use these programs to elevate their status to permanent residency.