Canadian Employers & Foreign Workers   

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify to hire a foreign worker if you:

• Operate a legitimate business in Canada

• Can demonstrate a genuine need for a foreign worker

• Meet wage, recruitment, and working condition requirements

• Are compliant with federal and provincial labour laws

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Employer

• Business registration and incorporation documents

• Proof of active business operations

• Job offer and employment contract

• Recruitment records (for LMIA applications)

• Wage and working condition details

• Employer compliance documents

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Worker

• Valid passport

• Job offer letter or contract

• Proof of qualifications and work experience

• LMIA approval (if applicable)

• Biometrics (if required)

• Medical exam and police certificates (if required)

Document requirements vary based on the job, industry, and work permit type.

Steps / Process Timeline

1. Employer and position eligibility assessment

2. LMIA application submission (if required)

3. Job offer and compliance submission to IRCC

4. Work permit application by foreign worker

5. Biometrics and medical exam (if required)

6. IRCC decision and work permit issuance

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

• LMIA application fee (employer-paid, where required)

• Work permit processing fee

• Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

• LMIA processing: Several weeks to months depending on stream

• Employer-specific work permit: Varies by country and application method

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by ESDC and IRCC.

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify if you:

• Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

• Meet education, experience, and licensing requirements for the role

• Are admissible to Canada (medical and criminal admissibility)

• Hold or are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Employer

• Business registration and incorporation documents

• Proof of active business operations

• Job offer and employment contract

• Recruitment records (for LMIA applications)

• Wage and working condition details

• Employer compliance documents

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Worker

• Valid passport

• Job offer letter or contract

• Proof of qualifications and work experience

• LMIA approval (if applicable)

• Biometrics (if required)

• Medical exam and police certificates (if required)

Document requirements vary based on the job, industry, and work permit type.

Steps / Process Timeline

1. Employer and position eligibility assessment

2. LMIA application submission (if required)

3. Job offer and compliance submission to IRCC

4. Work permit application by foreign worker

5. Biometrics and medical exam (if required)

6. IRCC decision and work permit issuance

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

• LMIA application fee (employer-paid, where required)

• Work permit processing fee

• Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

• LMIA processing: Several weeks to months depending on stream

• Employer-specific work permit: Varies by country and application method

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by ESDC and IRCC.