The shortage of skilled workers is not news to anyone who follows Canadian labour market trends. As certain industries grow and adapt to new technologies, there simply aren’t enough qualified workers to fill the open positions. According to Statistics Canada, there were over one million (1,012,900) vacant positions across Canada in March 2022. The most common issues for local employers, including but are not limited to:
- The shortage of skilled workers
- No Canadian takers for those jobs and/or apprenticeships
- Less awareness and knowledge of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and LMIA
- Aging workforce
- More people are turning to careers in the digital world
- Need to shift the paradigm
In many cases, there are no Canadian takers for these jobs and apprenticeships which can leave businesses struggling to find the talent they need to stay competitive. At the same time, there is often less awareness about TFWP and LMIA, leaving Canadian companies overlooking a valuable resource.
The aging workforce is also becoming a major issue as many experienced workers are retiring and leaving gaps in the labour market. The shift towards careers in the digital world has created a need for a new kind of talent that may not be readily available in Canada.
Challenges of hiring foreign workers to Canada
The Canadian labour market is undergoing a transformation with skilled worker shortages plaguing industries across the country. Despite a growing demand for workers in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and construction, many employers are struggling to find Canadian workers to fill these positions. As a result, many are turning to foreign workers to meet their labour needs. While this may seem like a simple solution, hiring foreign workers can be a complex and challenging process with a range of legal, cultural, and practical considerations to take into account.
– Processing time
One of the biggest challenges is the processing time which can be lengthy and unpredictable. Employers must go through a rigorous process to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which can take months to process.
– Unforeseen circumstances
Even after the LMIA is approved, there can be unforeseen circumstances. For example, some workers may come to Canada and then choose to join other employers, leaving their original employer in a difficult position. This can be an emotional and frustrating experience for Canadian employers who have invested time, effort, and resources into the hiring process, only to have their new hires depart unexpectedly.
– Adapting to Canadian Work Culture
Adapting to Canadian work culture can also be a challenge for foreign workers as they may not be familiar with Canadian workplace norms and practices. This can lead to team integration issues and potential conflicts with Canadian colleagues. Additionally, Canadian teams may not always be receptive to working with workers from outside Canada which can create further challenges.
– Cost Associated
There are also costs associated with hiring foreign workers such as the LMIA fee and legal fees for processing the LMIA. These costs can be substantial and add to the financial burden of hiring foreign workers.
– Worker Retention
Retaining foreign workers can be a challenge, as they may be tempted to leave for other job opportunities that offer higher salaries or better working conditions. This is particularly true for workers with in-demand skills, as they may be poached by other companies that are willing to offer higher salaries or better benefits.
While hiring foreign workers can be a solution to address skilled labour shortages, it’s important for employers to be aware of the challenges involved and to have strategies in place to address them.
The benefits outweigh the challenges
Hiring foreign workers to Canada can be a challenging process but the benefits definitely outweigh the challenges. Let’s deep dive into the advantages of hiring foreign workers and how they can help you as a company or employer.
Dedicated Workforce
Foreign workers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who come to Canada often have a strong work ethic and are highly motivated to succeed. They may be willing to work longer hours or take on additional responsibilities to prove themselves in their new role.
This dedication can benefit Canada companies that hire foreign workers by improving productivity, increasing efficiency, and reducing employee turnover. Foreign workers also bring new perspectives and fresh ideas to the workplace which can lead to innovation and growth.
Fulfill the Skill Gap
Canada is facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, especially in industries such as healthcare, IT, and construction. Statistically, a record 608,420 Canadian work permits were issued in 2022, compared to only 414,000 in 2021.
By hiring foreign workers with the necessary skills and experience, employers can fill these gaps and ensure that their operations continue to run smoothly. This can increase competitiveness, higher revenues, and improve customer satisfaction.
Transfer of Skills and Knowledge to Canadians
Foreign workers can also help to transfer skills and knowledge to Canadians. Through training and mentorship programs, foreign workers can share their expertise with Canadian colleagues, who can then apply this knowledge to their own work. This can help to improve the overall skill level of the Canadian workforce. This ultimately allows Canada to become more competitive in the global economy.
Socio-Economic Benefits
One of the significant socio-economic benefits of hiring foreign workers to Canada is that they tend to bring their families along which contributes to the Canadian economy. They are more likely to settle in Canada permanently leading to the growth of communities and the creation of new businesses. This can lead to a stronger economy, improved cultural understanding, and a higher standard of living for all Canadians.
| Challenges | Benefits |
| Processing time | Dedicated workforce |
| Unforeseen circumstances | Fulfill the skill gap |
| Adapting to Canadian work culture | Transfer of skills and knowledge to Canadians |
| Costs associated with hiring foreign workers | Socio-economic benefits |
| Worker retention | Improved innovation and growth |
Hiring foreign workers to Canada can be a complex process with many challenges. However, the benefits of hiring foreign workers often outweigh these challenges. By recruiting foreign workers, Canadian employers can fill skill gaps, transfer skills and knowledge to Canadians, and improve the socio-economic landscape of Canada. With proper planning and support, foreign workers can become valuable members of the Canadian workforce and help to drive growth and innovation in the years ahead.
Finding it challenging to hire foreign workers? Contact JET IMMIGRATION for the best assistance!
At JET IMMIGRATION, we understand the challenges that employers face when trying to hire foreign workers. From navigating the LMIA process to dealing with unexpected issues and cultural differences, the journey can be long and stressful. However, we also believe that the benefits of hiring foreign workers to Canada are worth the effort.
With our team of experienced & licensed immigration consultants, we can provide you with the best assistance for your spousal sponsorship, work permit, or permanent residency applications.
Jet Immigration has successfully helped thousands of businesses from Coast to Coast in Canada from almost all industry sectors.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make the most of the opportunities that hiring foreign workers can bring.
