Published on 1 February 2026

Canada: Employment

Foreign nationals intending to work in Canada are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the employment conditions and specific visa they require.

The unemployment rate in Canada is approximately 6.5% (in 2023). However, job seekers still have good prospects for finding work in Canada. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and Service Canada (SC) aim to attract skilled workers.

Country information: Canada (SECO)

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) can provide further information on the Canadian economy.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Extensive information on employment is available on the Canadian government website.

Employment law

Employment in Canada is governed by the Canada Labour Code and the employment laws of the various provinces and territories. There is considerable variation in the rules on overtime pay, working hours and annual leave, so it is not possible to make any generalisations.

Canadian Labour Code

The Canada Labour Code is available on the 'Justice Laws' website.

Work permit

Workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents need a work permit for (most) paid employment in Canada. Employers looking to hire a foreign worker must obtain permission from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) once the HRSDC has confirmed that they may recruit a foreign national to fill the vacancy.

Work permits for Canada

Information on work permits and how to apply online is available on the Canadian government website.

Temporary work permits for Canada

Further information on temporary work permits is available on the Canadian government website.

Finding a job

Foreign nationals seeking employment in the public or private sectors may apply for jobs through the various online portals. The Swiss-Canadian Chambers of Commerce based in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia publish vacancies and requests for employment.

Job Bank

Job Bank is Canada's national employment service.

Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

The Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce is an organisation that promotes commercial, financial and industrial exchange between Switzerland and Canada. It offers a networking platform that can support you in your job search.

Recognition of educational qualifications

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) is responsible for the recognition and assessment of qualifications and certification.

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)

The CICIC is responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifications and credentials.

Self-employment and starting your own business

The Canadian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce provides guidance on becoming self-employed or setting up a company. Swiss citizens may also contact Switzerland Global Enterprise. Swiss nationals can also obtain further information from the Swiss Business Hub, which assists Swiss and Liechtenstein small and medium-sized enterprises in developing their business in Canada and provides information on Switzerland as a business location to Canadian companies.

Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

The Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce is an organisation that promotes commercial, financial and industrial exchange between Switzerland and Canada. Among other things, it is a contact point for more information if you want to become self-employed or are already self-employed.

Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)

Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) is the official Swiss consulting, promotion and platform organisation for export and investment promotion with around 200 employees throughout Switzerland and in 30 countries.