Apply for a Canadian work permit through the LMIA process or an open work permit. Covers employer-specific permits, LMIA-exempt categories, required documents, processing times, and working in Canada legally.
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Types of Work Permits
Determine if you need an LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt work permit
LMIA-based permits require your employer to prove no Canadian worker is available. LMIA-exempt permits cover categories like intra-company transfers (ICT), CUSMA/NAFTA professionals, international agreements, and significant benefit to Canada. Your employer applies for the LMIA through Service Canada. LMIA processing takes 2-12 weeks.
Check if you qualify for an open work permit
Open work permits let you work for any employer without a specific job offer. Categories include spouses of skilled workers, post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders, bridging open work permits, and Working Holiday visa (IEC) participants. Open permits are employer-neutral but time-limited. Check the IRCC website for current eligible categories.
Confirm your eligibility based on nationality and qualifications
Some work permit categories have nationality restrictions. International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday is limited to citizens of 36 partner countries with age limits (typically 18-30 or 18-35). CUSMA professional permits are limited to US and Mexican citizens. Intra-company transfers require 1+ year of employment with the foreign company. Research your specific category's requirements.
Employer Steps (LMIA Process)
Your employer submits an LMIA application to Service Canada
The employer completes the LMIA application demonstrating they tried to hire Canadians first through job advertisements. The application costs 1,000 CAD per position. The employer must advertise the position for at least 4 weeks on the Canada Job Bank and two other recruitment methods before applying. Processing takes 2-12 weeks depending on the stream.
Your employer receives a positive LMIA
A positive LMIA means Service Canada confirmed no Canadians were available for the position. The employer provides you with a copy of the positive LMIA and the job offer letter. These documents are required for your work permit application. The LMIA is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
Applying for the Work Permit
Apply online through your IRCC account
Create an account at ircc.canada.ca and complete the work permit application. The online application guides you through the required forms based on your category. Upload supporting documents as scanned PDFs or JPEG images. The application fee is 155 CAD plus 100 CAD for biometrics (255 CAD total per applicant).
Include the positive LMIA or employer compliance number
For LMIA-based permits, include the positive LMIA number. For LMIA-exempt permits, include the employer's offer of employment compliance number from the IRCC Employer Portal. Your employer must submit the job offer through the portal and pay a 230 CAD compliance fee before you can apply.
Submit required supporting documents
Documents include: a valid passport, the job offer letter with salary and duties, LMIA or compliance number, proof of qualifications (degrees, certifications, experience letters), proof of funds to support yourself, passport-size photos, and a police clearance certificate if requested. All documents not in English or French need certified translations.
Complete biometrics at a designated collection center
After submitting your application, IRCC sends a biometrics instruction letter. You have 30 days to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photo. The biometrics fee (100 CAD) is paid with the application. Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If you provided biometrics for a previous Canadian application within 10 years, you may be exempt.
Processing and Arrival
Wait for processing, typically 4-16 weeks depending on your location
Processing times vary significantly by country of application and permit category. Check current processing times at ircc.canada.ca/english/information/times. US applicants typically have the shortest processing times. Applications from India, China, and the Philippines may take longer. You can track your application online through your IRCC account.
Receive the port of entry letter of introduction
If approved, IRCC issues a port of entry (POE) letter of introduction. This is NOT the work permit itself. The actual work permit is issued by the immigration officer at the Canadian port of entry (airport or land border). Print the POE letter and carry it with your passport. The officer at the border reviews your documents and issues the physical work permit.
Present your documents at the Canadian port of entry
At the border, present your passport, POE letter, LMIA or compliance number, job offer letter, and proof of qualifications. The officer issues the work permit specifying your employer, position, and validity dates. Check all details on the permit before leaving the border. Report errors immediately as corrections are difficult to make later.
After Arrival
Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada
Apply for a SIN at any Service Canada office with your work permit and passport. The SIN is required for employment, tax filing, and government services. Processing is same-day at in-person offices. You can also apply by mail. Your employer needs your SIN before they can add you to payroll.
Register for provincial health insurance
Each province has its own health insurance plan. Most provinces impose a 3-month waiting period before coverage begins. British Columbia and Ontario have waiting periods. Alberta provides coverage from the first day of residency. Purchase private health insurance to cover the waiting period. Enroll online or at a Service Canada office. This guide is informational only, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Canadian work permit take to process?
Processing times range from 4-16 weeks depending on your country of application, permit category, and current IRCC workload. US-based applications are typically faster (2-8 weeks). The LMIA process adds 2-12 weeks before you can even submit the work permit application. Check current processing times on the IRCC website for your specific situation.
What is the difference between an LMIA and a work permit?
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document obtained by your employer from Service Canada proving no Canadians are available for the job. A work permit is your personal authorization to work in Canada, obtained from IRCC using the positive LMIA. The LMIA comes first. Some categories are LMIA-exempt, meaning the employer does not need this step.
Can I change employers on a Canadian work permit?
Employer-specific work permits are tied to one employer. Changing employers requires a new LMIA from the new employer and a new work permit application. Open work permits allow you to work for any employer freely. If you are on an employer-specific permit and want to change jobs, your new employer must complete the LMIA/compliance process before you switch.
Can a Canadian work permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Canadian work experience is valued in permanent residence programs. Express Entry awards points for Canadian work experience. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream within Express Entry is specifically for workers with 1+ year of Canadian experience. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also target workers in specific provinces and occupations. A work permit is often the first step toward permanent residence in Canada.