RCIC · LMIA & Work Permits in Canada
Canadian Work Permits & LMIA
Work legally in Canada — whether you have a job offer backed by an LMIA or qualify for an LMIA-exempt or open permit.
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that confirms hiring a foreign worker won't displace a Canadian worker. It's obtained by the employer, not the worker, and for many job-offer-based work permits it's the first domino — your permit application depends on it. A complete, well-prepared LMIA is often the difference between a smooth approval and months of delay or a refusal, which is why we coordinate closely with the employer on their side of the file.
Not every work permit needs one, though. Many are LMIA-exempt through international agreements and government policies: the International Experience Canada (IEC) youth mobility program, CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) for eligible U.S. and Mexican professionals, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international graduates, and intra-company transfers, among others.
What is a Canadian Work Permit?
A Canadian work permit lets a foreign national work in Canada, either for a specific employer or, in some cases, for almost any employer. There are two broad categories. Closed (employer-specific) work permits are tied to a single named employer, role, and location, and often require an LMIA. Open work permits let you work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada and are reserved for specific situations, such as spouses of certain workers or students and post-graduation graduates.
Choosing the right category — and getting the documentation right — is the single biggest factor in how fast your application moves and whether it's approved.
Eligibility
Do you qualify?
Specifics vary widely by category. These are the requirements common to most work permits, but exact criteria change and depend on the category, so treat this as a starting point rather than a final checklist.
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer, or eligibility under an LMIA-exempt or open category
- No criminal or medical inadmissibility to Canada
- Sufficient funds to support yourself (and any accompanying family) during your stay
- Demonstrated intent to leave at the end of your authorized stay, or clear eligibility to extend or transition to PR
- Meeting the occupation requirements for the role — qualifications, licensing, and any language needs
The Process
How it works
From identifying the right permit type to receiving your decision, here's the path.
- 1
Confirm your permit type
We assess your situation against the LMIA-based, LMIA-exempt, and open work permit categories to find the fastest, lowest-risk option.
- 2
Employer obtains LMIA (if required)
If your role requires an LMIA, your employer applies to ESDC. We coordinate with the employer to make sure their application is complete and aligned with yours.
- 3
Gather documents
Job offer letter, employer documents, qualifications, proof of funds, police certificates, medical (if needed), and category-specific evidence.
- 4
Submit work permit application
We file your application online or, where required, via a Visa Application Centre. Most applicants apply from outside Canada; some can apply at the port of entry.
- 5
Biometrics
If required, you provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre or Application Support Centre.
- 6
Decision
IRCC decides. Approved applicants applying from abroad receive a Port of Entry letter and pick up their work permit on arrival in Canada; those applying from inside Canada are issued the permit directly.
Ready to apply for a Work Permit?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. We'll identify the fastest, lowest-risk work permit category for your situation.
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The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal or immigration advice. Work permit and LMIA requirements, eligible categories and exemptions, processing times, and government fees change frequently and without notice. Details described here may be out of date by the time you read them. Always confirm current requirements on the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca), and book a consultation for advice specific to your situation. Nothing here guarantees approval, entry, or any particular outcome.