Work Permits & LMIA Services
Comprehensive support for temporary work authorization in Canada
Canadian Work Permits Explained
A Canadian work permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada temporarily. There are two main types: employer-specific work permits and open work permits. Each has different requirements and benefits depending on your situation and immigration goals.
Employer-Specific Work Permits
Allows you to work for a specific employer at a specific location for a specified period.
Requirements:
- Valid job offer from Canadian employer
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA exemption
- Proof you will leave Canada when permit expires
- Sufficient funds for stay in Canada
- Not inadmissible to Canada
- Medical exam (if required)
Processing Time:
Varies by country: 2-16 weeks typically
Open Work Permits
Allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions).
Eligible Categories:
- Spouses/common-law partners of skilled workers or international students
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders
- International Experience Canada (IEC) participants
- Refugee claimants and protected persons
- Permanent residence applicants (bridging open work permits)
Processing Time:
Varies by type: 3-20 weeks typically
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
An LMIA is a document that a Canadian employer may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that there is a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
High-Wage LMIA
For positions paying at or above the provincial/territorial median wage.
- Employer must demonstrate recruitment efforts
- Transition plan required (showing how employer will reduce reliance on foreign workers)
- Higher application fee: $1,000 CAD per position
- Processing time: typically 8-12 weeks
Low-Wage LMIA
For positions paying below the provincial/territorial median wage.
- Cap on number of low-wage workers (typically 20% of workforce)
- Employer must provide certain benefits (housing, transportation, etc.)
- Application fee: $1,000 CAD per position
- More stringent requirements and scrutiny
LMIA Exemptions
Certain categories don’t require an LMIA:
- International trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA, etc.)
- Intra-company transfers
- Significant benefit to Canada
- Canadian interests (reciprocal employment, charity/religious work)
- International agreements and exchange programs
Special Work Permit Programs
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Allows international students who graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to gain valuable work experience.
- Graduated from DLI
- Full-time student
- Program at least 8 months
- Valid study permit
- 8 months – 2 years program: Same length as program
- 2+ years program: 3 years
- Must apply within 180 days of graduation
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Youth mobility program offering work permits to young people from partner countries.
Travel and work anywhere in Canada for up to 2 years
Gain professional experience with a job offer
Complete internship/co-op as part of studies
Spousal Open Work Permit
Spouses of skilled workers and international students may be eligible for an open work permit.
- Spouse/partner holds valid study or work permit
- Spouse is in certain skilled occupations (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3)
- Spouse is enrolled in eligible post-secondary program
- Valid marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
Our Work Permit Services
Eligibility Assessment
Determine the best work permit option for your situation
LMIA Support
Guide employers through the LMIA application process
Application Preparation
Complete and accurate work permit applications
Renewals & Extensions
Timely renewal and extension of existing permits
Need a Work Permit?
Get expert guidance on your work permit application and LMIA process.