Closed
Hire a permanent foreign worker
Support to hire permanent foreign workers
Last Update: June 3, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The program helps employers hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates to fill labour needs and support permanent residence pathways. It covers designated-employer processes, endorsements, and job offers under Atlantic immigration streams.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop an online presence
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Newcomers to Canada
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- New immigrants & refugees
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hire skilled foreign workers or international graduates in Atlantic Canada.
- Become a designated employer to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program.
- Submit an endorsement for a job offer under the program.
- Support a foreign worker’s permanent residence application.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers in Atlantic Canada.
- Employers seeking to hire skilled foreign workers.
- Employers seeking to hire international graduates.
- Employers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Who is not eligible
- Employers outside Atlantic Canada.
- Employers without provincial designation.
- Employers applying for candidates who will not work in an Atlantic province.
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant, including:
- Costs associated with hiring foreign workers or recent graduates
- Supporting an employee in their permanent residence journey
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Multiple applications for the same business/location in Nova Scotia.
- Hiring candidates who will not work in an Atlantic province under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Eligible geographic areas
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the relevant provincial authority.
- Selection for processing does not guarantee approval.
- Applicants are notified directly if their submission is selected.
- Endorsement must be approved before permanent residence can proceed.
Additional information
- Access to the Employer Portal is crucial for managing job offers and foreign worker applications.
- Job Match services can assist in locating suitable candidates effectively.
- Utilizing the Job Bank can streamline the hiring process of foreign skilled workers.
- Becoming a designated employer under specific immigration programs can facilitate the hiring process.
- Employers are encouraged to use outreach services to optimize their use of immigration programs.
- Employers must ensure that job offers meet the criteria for Express Entry and other immigration applications.
- Guide documents are available to assist in hiring and retaining internationally trained workers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hire a permanent foreign worker Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Hire a permanent foreign worker. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Hire a permanent foreign worker?
The program helps employers hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates to fill labour needs and support permanent residence pathways. It covers designated-employer processes, endorsements, and job offers under Atlantic immigration streams.
Who is eligible for the Hire a permanent foreign worker program?
To be eligible for the Hire a permanent foreign worker program, you must:
Designated employer status required.
Job offer must meet program rules.
Unmet local hiring need.
What expenses are eligible under Hire a permanent foreign worker?
Hire skilled foreign workers or international graduates in Atlantic Canada.
Become a designated employer to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Submit an endorsement for a job offer under the program.
Support a foreign worker’s permanent residence application.
Who can I contact for more information about the Hire a permanent foreign worker?
You can contact Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Where is the Hire a permanent foreign worker available?
The Hire a permanent foreign worker program is available across Canada.
Is the Hire a permanent foreign worker a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Hire a permanent foreign worker is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Hire a permanent foreign worker?
Hire a permanent foreign worker is funded by Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Immigration