Workers are foreign nationals who come to Canada to work. Generally, they need a work permit to authorize them to work in Canada; some are authorized to work without a work permit by IRPA. Most foreign nationals need to apply for an initial work permit outside Canada; some are eligible to apply from within Canada.

The work permit for foreign workers coming to Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is attached to a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA is to assess the impact of the hiring of a foreign national on the Canadian labour market. The approval of an LMIA means the employer cannot find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. The LMIA processing fee must be paid by the employer and cannot be recovered from the foreign worker. It is ILLEGAL to buy or sell an LMIA.

The work permit for foreign workers coming to Canada under the International Mobility Program is exempt from the LMIA. The work permit is an employer-specific one or an open work permit. Open work permit holders can work for any Canadian employer except ineligible employers.

Workers must comply with the conditions specified on their work permit. Otherwise, they may be found inadmissible on the ground of non-compliance.