Skilled Workers: Your Canadian Immigration Options in 2024

Looking for Alternatives to the H-1B Visa? Here’s How Skilled Workers Can Move to Canada

If you’re a skilled worker currently considering your options in North America, the recently announced USD $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions in the U.S. might have been a bit of a shocker. But here’s the good news: Canada offers a range of immigration programs that are not only more affordable, but also designed to attract global talent like you.

Whether you’re looking for a temporary position or aiming to build a long-term future, Canada has multiple pathways to help you live and work here legally — and comfortably.

Key Highlights

• Canada offers two main pathways for foreign workers: work permits and permanent residency.
• Popular routes include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Intra-Company Transfers, Express Entry, and the Manitoba PNP.
• Work permits are typically valid for 1–3 years and are renewable under certain conditions.
• Permanent residency lets you live and work in Canada indefinitely — and often includes your spouse and dependent children.
• Building Canadian work experience can improve your chances of qualifying for permanent residency later.
• Processing times and requirements vary by program and your home country.

Canada’s Two Main Immigration Pathways

Foreign nationals have two primary options to work in Canada: applying for a work permit or for permanent residency. Let’s break those down before diving deeper into specific programs.

Work Permits

Work permits are usually temporary in nature, issued for one to three years. They can often be extended, and they’re a great stepping stone if you’re aiming to transition to permanent residency later.

Permanent Residency (PR)

PR status allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely. It also opens the door to eventual citizenship and includes benefits like access to healthcare and social services.

Top Ways Skilled Workers Can Move to Canada

Here are four of the most common and effective immigration pathways for skilled workers:

Many newcomers to Canada start with a work permit and then apply for PR once they’ve built up Canadian experience. This can significantly boost your chances under programs like Express Entry.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for roles they can’t fill locally. An LMIA is required, which assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian job market.

Key TFWP Details

• Employers must pay a $1,000 CAD LMIA application fee.
• LMIA processing typically takes 3–4 months.
• Job offers must often be advertised locally first, depending on the stream.

Work Permit Processing Times (as of now)

Note: There’s currently a moratorium on low-wage LMIAs in regions with unemployment rates over 6%, so it’s best to aim for high-wage roles or locations with lower unemployment.

Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

If you work for a multinational company with offices in Canada, you may qualify for a work permit under the ICT program. This route doesn’t require an LMIA, which can speed things up significantly.

Eligibility Criteria

• You’ve worked at your current company for at least one year.
• Your role in Canada must be executive, managerial, or involve specialized knowledge.
• The Canadian position must be essential to your company’s operations there.

Express Entry: Fast-Track to Permanent Residency

Express Entry is one of the most popular immigration systems for skilled workers. It uses a points-based system to rank candidates based on factors like education, work experience, and language skills.

Steps to Apply

1. Take an approved language test (typically IELTS or CELPIP).
2. Get your educational credentials assessed.
3. Submit a profile and join the Express Entry pool.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your CRS score is high enough.

Programs under Express Entry include:

• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

Adding Canadian work experience to your profile can give your CRS score a solid boost — another reason to consider starting with a work permit.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec) has its own immigration streams designed to meet local labour market needs. These are known as Provincial Nominee Programs.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), for example, offers several streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and more.

Why Choose a PNP?

• Lower CRS scores may be accepted.
• Tailored to regional industries and job markets.
• Many streams aligned with Express Entry for faster processing.

General Admissibility Requirements

Regardless of which program you choose, all applicants must meet basic admissibility criteria. These include:

How to Apply

Once you’ve found the right pathway and made sure you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to submit your application — usually online through the Government of Canada’s portal.

You’re not required to use a representative, but immigration processes can get complex. A small mistake can lead to delays or even a rejection. That’s why many applicants choose to work with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for peace of mind and expert guidance.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Canada is actively seeking skilled workers, and with the rising costs of U.S. immigration routes, there’s never been a better time to consider making the move north. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to submit an application, understanding your options is the first step.

Want to take the guesswork out of your Canadian immigration journey? Check out our comprehensive guides on work permits, Express Entry, and the