Hiring international young workers is a good alternative to address your labour needs. The Canadian government has a bilateral agreement with 22 countries allowing the exchange of youth to work and/or study abroad. They do not require a Labour Market Opinion and youth can apply for a work permit through local embassies without employer’s involvement.
Types of work permits for international young workers include Working Holiday Program (WHP), Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP), Young Professionals (formerly known as Young Worker) and Co-Op.
- Working Holiday Program offers a limited number of temporary work permits through Canadian embassies each year for foreigners between the ages of 18 and 35. These visas are good for four to 24 months and can be a great way for employers to fill peak season labour demands. However, visa holders are permitted to travel and work for multiple employers which can cause quick turnover rates.
- Student Workers Abroad Program (SWAP) is similar to the Working Holiday Program as it provides a limited number of visas to individuals between the ages 18 and 35. Employers post jobs with SWAP through TravelCUTS and job seekers make applications directly to employers. SWAP assists with the necessary visa paperwork. Like the Working Holiday program, visas granted are short-term and visa holders may work for several employers during their visit to Canada.
- Young Professionals program issues twelve-month work permits for young professionals aged 18-35 who are interested in gaining serious international professional work experience in their field. Participants need an offer of employment made by a Canadian employer before applying for the permit.
- Foreign Student Programs offer qualifying students or recent graduates of eligible post-secondary institutions the opportunity to work in Canada through a variety of programs, such as the Working Off Campus Program, Co-op/Internship Program and the Post-Graduate Work Program.
Click here for a list of temporary work permits for international young workers.
