LMIA FinderWork Permits in Canada
Complete guide to Canadian work permits, LMIA requirements, and employer-specific pathways for foreign workers.
What is a Canadian Work Permit?
A Canadian work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work legally in Canada, unless they qualify for a work permit exemption. Work permits are typically temporary and tied to specific conditions such as employer, location, and duration.
1,500,000+
Foreign workers in Canada (approximate)
2 Main Categories
Employer-Specific & Open Work Permits
Types of Work Permits
LMIA-Based Work Permit
- ✓Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from employer
- ✓Tied to a specific employer, position, and location
- ✓Processing time: approximately 2–4 months total
- ✓Satisfies eligibility criteria for some Express Entry programs
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
- ✓International Mobility Program (IMP)
- ✓Intra-company transferees (ICT)
- ✓CUSMA/CETA professionals
- ✓Significant benefit to Canada (C10)
Open Work Permits
- ✓Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- ✓Spousal/common-law partner open work permit
- ✓Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- ✓Vulnerable worker open work permit
LMIA Work Permit Process
Step-by-step timeline from LMIA application to work permit issuance. Timelines are approximate and vary based on program stream and country of residence.
Employer Applies for LMIA
4–8 weeksEmployer submits LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) with recruitment evidence and job offer details.
Employer Receives Positive LMIA
Upon approvalESDC issues a positive LMIA confirming no Canadian worker is available. Employer provides a copy to the foreign worker.
Worker Applies for Work Permit
1–2 weeks to submitForeign worker submits work permit application to IRCC with the positive LMIA, job offer letter, and supporting documents.
Biometrics & Medical Exam
2–4 weeksWorker completes biometrics at a designated collection point and undergoes a medical examination if required.
Work Permit Issued
2–8 weeksIRCC processes the application and issues the work permit. Worker receives a Port of Entry (POE) letter or permit at the border.
Total Estimated Timeline: 3–6 months (typical)
Actual processing times vary significantly based on program stream, country of application, and individual circumstances. Check IRCC’s website for current processing times.
Eligibility Requirements
Valid Job Offer
A genuine job offer from a Canadian employer, documented on the IRCC Employer Portal.
Positive LMIA or Exemption
A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment, or qualification under an LMIA-exempt category.
Proof of Qualifications
Education credentials, professional certifications, or trade qualifications relevant to the position.
No Criminal Inadmissibility
No criminal record that would make you inadmissible to Canada. A police clearance certificate may be required.
Medical Examination
An immigration medical exam by a designated panel physician, if required based on your country of residence or occupation.
Proof of Temporary Intent
Evidence that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires (ties to home country, return plans).
Fees & Costs
Government fees for work permit applications (in Canadian dollars). Fees are set by IRCC and are subject to change.
| Fee Type | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Work Permit Fee (including extensions) | $155 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee (additional) | $100 |
| Biometrics Fee (per person) | $85 |
| Employer Compliance Fee — IMP (paid by employer) | $230 |
| Restore Status as Worker | $401.25 |
* Open work permit holders pay both the $155 work permit fee and the $100 open work permit holder fee ($255 total). Employer compliance fees are paid by the employer, not the worker.
Work Permit Processing Times
IRCC’s service standard is approximately 60 days for applications from outside Canada and 120 days for applications from inside Canada. Actual times vary by country of residence.
| Country of Residence | Online Application | Paper Application |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (inside) | 4–12 weeks | 12–16 weeks |
| India | 8–16 weeks | 16–24 weeks |
| Philippines | 8–12 weeks | 12–20 weeks |
| Nigeria | 12–20 weeks | 20–30 weeks |
| China | 6–12 weeks | 12–18 weeks |
* Processing times are approximate ranges and subject to change. Always check IRCC’s official processing times for the most current information.
Priority Processing Available
IRCC offers priority processing for work permit applications in certain healthcare occupations (NOC 31100 — Physicians, NOC 31101 — Specialist Physicians, NOC 31102 — General Practitioners and Family Physicians) and for applications supported by a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) support letter.
Work Permit vs. Permanent Residence
| Feature | Work Permit (Temporary) | Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Typically 1–3 years (renewable) | Permanent (5-year PR card, renewable) |
| Employer Restriction | Yes (employer-specific) or No (open) | No — work for any employer |
| Provincial Healthcare | Varies by province (waiting period may apply) | Yes — immediate eligibility in most provinces |
| Pathway to Citizenship | Indirect (must obtain PR first) | Direct (after 3 years of residency) |
| Application Fee | $155 work permit + $100 open work permit holder fee (if applicable) | $1,365 (processing + RPRF) |
| Can Sponsor Family | Limited (dependents only on application) | Yes — spouse, children, parents, grandparents |
Pathways from Work Permit to Permanent Residence
A work permit is often the first step toward Canadian permanent residence. Here are the most common pathways:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
After gaining 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), you can apply through Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class. No LMIA required at the PR stage.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many provinces nominate workers already employed in the province. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply.
LMIA & Express Entry
As of March 2025, IRCC no longer awards CRS points for job offers. However, a valid LMIA-backed job offer still satisfies eligibility for some Express Entry programs (FSW, FST) and is required for employer-sponsored work permits.
Caregiver Programs
Foreign caregivers working in Canada under a valid work permit can apply for permanent residence through dedicated caregiver pathways after gaining qualifying Canadian work experience.
Ready to Start Your Canadian Work Journey?
Search thousands of LMIA-approved employers actively hiring foreign workers across Canada.
Find LMIA-Approved EmployersUpdated regularly with the latest LMIA data from ESDC.