If you are a Canadian employer looking to hire international candidates, closed work permits can be a great asset to your business needs. This article will explain closed work permits and discuss some benefits of closed work permits for Canadian companies and employers.
What is a Closed Work Permit? (Canada)
A closed work permit is a type of permit that allows international skilled workers to work in Canada. This type of work permit is typically issued to those who (1) are eligible to work in Canada and (2) have received an offer of employment from a Canadian employer. In addition, international workers who hold this type of permit are restricted to a specific job/employer for as long as the permit is valid.
5 Benefits of Closed Work Permits (Canadian Companies)
- Helps companies recruit internationally
Hiring workers from abroad can bring a business one step closer to achieving its business goals. There are many benefits to international recruitment, which closed work permits can help to support.
- Helps companies alleviate labor shortages
A major concern of Canadian companies—and one of the main reasons for labor shortages in Canada—is the lack of commitment from Canadian workers to remain within the same company for long periods of time. Hiring foreign workers who have closed work permits helps companies alleviate labor shortages by ensuring that these employers have enough workers for their business needs and that the employees will not leave after a short time.
- Saves companies time and resources
Because closed work permits are meant to last for longer periods of time, Canadian employers do not have to worry about hiring new workers as frequently. This means that Canadian companies can save valuable time and resources while prioritizing other business needs.
- Increases company stability
Especially with labor shortages impacting the Canadian workforce, having long-term employees can show that a Canadian company and work environment is secure and built to last. This can boost the company’s credibility/reputation and, in the future, also attract other workers to the company, including international workers.
- Increases workplace diversity
Employees with closed work permits often come from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. With the help of closed work permits, Canadian employers can increase diversity and inclusion in their companies, bringing a unique range of skill sets, perspectives, and experiences to the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a closed work permit and an open work permit?
A closed work permit restricts an international worker to a specific job/employer for as long as the permit is valid. On the other hand, an open work permit allows international workers to work for any employer in the country of Canada, in any location or job position. This means that international workers can have one or multiple jobs using the same open work permit, unlike closed work permits.
In addition, open work permits typically work better than closed work permits if international workers do not yet have an offer of employment from a Canadian employer and/or want to pursue a job upon successful immigration to Canada.
Can international workers extend or change their closed work permits?
International workers can extend or change both open and employer-specific work permits, so long as the applications meet specific requirements. International workers can choose to extend or change their closed work permits for a variety of reasons, including:
- Job extensions
- Changes to current job (ex. Change in pay, new responsibilities)
- Offer for a different job
- Desire to work for a different employer
International workers may not start working at a different job or for a different employer until they receive a new closed work permit with the new conditions.
To learn more about the work permit application process, visit Canada’s official website.
Why is international recruitment important for Canadian employers?
International recruitment is important because it can help to grow your business on a global scale. Many companies worldwide are looking to foreign workers as a way to reach new markets of both employees and consumers, especially at a time when technology and globalization are so crucial to a business’s success.
With labor shortages being common in many parts of Canada, investing in international candidates can relieve a Canadian business of its job vacancies. From there, Canadian employers can prioritize their business’s productivity and outputs more readily and efficiently.
In addition, hiring foreign workers from a range of cultural backgrounds can make a work environment more inclusive and even more innovative. A diverse workplace attracts those who want to feel supported and valued in their work, and in return, these skilled candidates bring new ideas and expertise to the workplace, helping the business to grow and expand.
How Can I Recruit Foreign Workers for My Canadian Business?
With the help of No Limit to Canada, you can recruit the best global talent from a vast network of international candidates in your industry, gaining immediate access to potential hires that will greatly benefit your business. No Limit to Canada streamlines the international hiring process by saving you money and resources, minimizing administrative burdens, and offering valuable advice and support from start to finish.
Give us a call at 888-391-1115 or contact us via email at info@nolimittocanada.com. We are available to answer all your questions on international recruitment and help you hire the ideal international candidates for your Canadian business.