Work Permits in Canada

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify if you:

• Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

• Have an approved LMIA (unless exempt)

• Meet job requirements (education, experience, licensing if applicable)

• Are admissible to Canada

This permit restricts you to one employer, job, and location.

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Worker

• Valid passport

• Job offer letter or employment contract

• Proof of qualifications (education, experience)

• LMIA approval (if applicable)

• Offer of Employment number (if LMIA-exempt)

• Biometrics (if required)

• Medical exam (if required)

• Police certificates (if required)

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Employer

• Business registration documents

• Proof of business operations

• Job offer details and wage information

• Recruitment records (for LMIA)

• Employer compliance documents

Document requirements vary depending on permit type and applicant profile.

Steps / Process Timeline

1. Eligibility and permit type assessment

2. Employer LMIA application (if required)

3. Work permit application submission

4. Biometrics and medical exam (if required)

5. IRCC review and decision

6. Work permit issuance or port-of-entry approval

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

• Work Permit processing fee

• LMIA fees (employer-paid, where required)

• Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

• Varies by country and LMIA status

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by IRCC.

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify if you fall under an eligible category such as:

• Spouse or partner of a skilled worker or international student

• International graduates (PGWP)

• Permanent residence applicants with valid status

• Vulnerable workers or special public policy holders

Open work permits allow you to work for most employers in Canada.

Documents Checklist (Basic)

• Valid passport

• Job offer letter or employment contract

• Proof of qualifications (education, experience)

• Offer of Employment number (if LMIA-exempt)

• Biometrics (if required)

• Medical exam (if required)

• Police certificates (if required)

Steps / Process Timeline

1. Eligibility and permit type assessment

2. Work permit application submission

3. Biometrics and medical exam (if required)

4. IRCC review and decision

5. Work permit issuance or port-of-entry approval

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

• Work Permit processing fee

• Open Work Permit holder fee (if applicable)

• Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

• Varies by category

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by IRCC.

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

An LMIA may be required if:

• A Canadian employer is hiring a foreign worker

• The position cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Employment and wage conditions meet federal requirements

LMIAs are employer-driven and job-specific.

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Worker

• Valid passport

• Job offer letter or employment contract

• Proof of qualifications (education, experience)

• LMIA approval (if applicable)

• Offer of Employment number (if LMIA-exempt)

• Biometrics (if required)

• Medical exam (if required)

• Police certificates (if required)

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Employer

• Business registration documents

• Proof of business operations

• Job offer details and wage information

• Recruitment records (for LMIA)

• Employer compliance documents

Document requirements vary depending on permit type and applicant profile.

Steps / Process Timeline

1. Eligibility and permit type assessment

2. Employer LMIA application (if required)

3. Work permit application submission

4. Biometrics and medical exam (if required)

5. IRCC review and decision

6. Work permit issuance or port-of-entry approval

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

• Work Permit processing fee

• LMIA fees (employer-paid, where required)

• Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

• Several weeks to months depending on stream

Processing times are determined by IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit if your employment:

• Provides significant benefit to Canada

• Falls under international agreements

• Involves intra-company transfers

• Is part of Francophone Mobility or other exemptions

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Worker

• Valid passport

• Job offer letter or employment contract

• Proof of qualifications (education, experience)

• LMIA approval (if applicable)

• Offer of Employment number (if LMIA-exempt)

• Biometrics (if required)

• Medical exam (if required)

• Police certificates (if required)

Documents Checklist (Basic) - Employer

• Business registration documents

• Proof of business operations

• Job offer details and wage information

• Employer compliance documents

Document requirements vary depending on permit type and applicant profile.

Steps / Process Timeline

1. Eligibility and permit type assessment

2. Employer LMIA application (if required)

3. Job offer and compliance submission (LMIA-exempt)

4. Work permit application submission

5. Biometrics and medical exam (if required)

6. IRCC review and decision

7. Work permit issuance or port-of-entry approval

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

• Work Permit processing fee

• Employer compliance fee (employer-paid, where required)

• Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

• Several weeks to months depending on stream

Processing times are determined by IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).