published on 25 November 2025 @ 11:15 am · COMMENT

Work Permit Options for Manufacturing

Canada’s manufacturing sector is increasingly constrained by a shortage of skilled and semi-skilled labour, prompting employers to rely on international talent to sustain production and remain competitive. Several temporary work authorization pathways support these needs, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program—which offers high-wage, low-wage, agricultural, and Global Talent Stream options and requires employers to obtain an LMIA and meet recruitment and compliance obligations. The International Mobility Program, which provides LMIA-exempt categories such as intra-company transfers, trade-agreement professionals, and the Francophone Mobility Program—all of which could apply to foreign workers in the manufacturing industry. In addition, manufacturers may benefit from short-term solutions: emergency repair work which requires a specialized, LMIA-exempt work permit when urgent, warranty-expired equipment repairs are needed, while certain limited activities—such as after-sales service or short-term high skilled specialized work of 15 or 30 days—may qualify for work permit exemptions if they meet strict criteria tied to the original sales agreement or the temporary, high-skill nature of the work. By understanding these pathways and planning proactively, manufacturers can address workforce gaps, ensure operational continuity, and maintain competitiveness.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE