Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
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Working Abroad

Every year, thousands of Canadians relocate to foreign countries to work. The Government of Canada, and many Canadian businesses and associations, encourage Canadians to work abroad to acquire new skills that will help them compete in Canada and the global economy. However, careful preparations are necessary if you are going to reap the benefits of working abroad.

In almost all cases you must have special permission, such as a work visa, to work in a foreign country. Permission is granted at the sole discretion of the authorities of the country in question, and must be obtained before entering the country. Most countries will not grant permission for a foreigner to work if that person entered the country as a tourist or on some other basis. For specific information on the requirements for working abroad, contact the Canadian Government Office in your destination country.

Finding Work Abroad
Planning to Leave
Country-Specific Publications