Work Permits

Access Canada's dynamic labour market through LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt work permit pathways tailored to your skills and employer needs.

Overview

Working in Canada

Canada offers multiple pathways for foreign nationals to work legally in the country. Whether you have a specific job offer, are transferring within a multinational company, or are participating in an international agreement, there is likely a work permit stream that fits your situation.

Most work permits are employer-specific, meaning they are tied to a particular employer, position, and location. Open work permits, available in limited circumstances, allow you to work for any employer. We help you identify the right pathway and prepare a strong application.

Pathways

Two Types of Work Permits

assignment

LMIA-Based Work Permits

Requires your employer to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment proving no Canadian worker is available for the position.

check_circle Employer must advertise the position for at least 4 weeks
check_circle Employer pays a $1,000 processing fee per worker
check_circle Wages must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the position
check_circle Adds 50-200 CRS points for Express Entry if applicable

speed

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

No LMIA required. Available under international agreements, intra-company transfers, and programs that benefit Canada economically or culturally.

check_circle Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) for multinational employees
check_circle CUSMA/USMCA professionals (formerly NAFTA)
check_circle Significant Benefit (C10) for unique talent
check_circle Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) for graduates

For Employers

Employer Requirements

business

Employer Compliance

Employers must register on the IRCC Employer Portal and comply with all conditions of the work permit, including wages, working conditions, and job duties as stated in the offer.

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Employer Compliance Fee

For LMIA-exempt positions, employers submit an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal and pay a $230 compliance fee. For LMIA-based positions, a $1,000 processing fee applies.

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Inspections & Penalties

IRCC conducts inspections to ensure employers meet their obligations. Non-compliance can result in monetary penalties, bans from the program, and public disclosure of violations.

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Get a personalized eligibility assessment from a licensed RCIC. We will review your profile and recommend the best pathway.

Get Assessed

Timeline

Processing Times

2-4 weeks

LMIA-Exempt

Employer Portal submission to work permit issuance

8-16 weeks

LMIA Processing

From LMIA submission to positive decision by ESDC

4-12 weeks

Work Permit

From work permit application to final decision

Processing times are estimates and vary by country of origin and application complexity. Premium processing is not available for most work permits.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

An LMIA is a document your employer obtains from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) proving no Canadian worker is available. A work permit is the authorization you receive from IRCC to work in Canada. For LMIA-based permits, the employer gets the LMIA first, then you apply for the work permit.

If you hold an employer-specific work permit, you cannot change employers without obtaining a new work permit. Your new employer would need to obtain a new LMIA or submit a new offer through the Employer Portal. Open work permit holders can work for any employer.

Work permit duration varies. LMIA-based permits are typically issued for 1-2 years and can be renewed. Intra-company transfers can be issued for up to 3 years. Extensions are possible as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

Yes. Canadian work experience gained on a valid work permit can qualify you for programs like the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, or Provincial Nominee Programs. An LMIA-based job offer also adds 50-200 CRS points to your Express Entry profile.

Need a Canadian Work Permit?

Whether you are an employee or an employer, Ivie provides end-to-end support for LMIA and work permit applications.

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