Temporary workers

Every year, almost 200,000 foreign workers come to Canada on temporary work permits.

As a temporary foreign worker, you have the right to change employers while you are in Canada. You can use the Job Bank to search for a new job and other useful resources for free.

You may need to change your work permit before you start working for a new employer.

Canada makes it easier for temporary residents to enter: visitors, foreign workers, and students. In 2018, as many as 6,024,233 visas and electronic travel authorizations were issued to visitors, foreign foreign students, and temporary workers, representing a 5.2 percent increase over 2017.

Once here, workers can support Canadian innovation efforts and help Canadian businesses grow and prosper, resulting in more jobs for Canadians and a stronger economy for all. Some industries, including some agricultural sectors, rely heavily on foreign workers during peak seasons.