Temporary Work Authorization

Work Permits

Secure temporary work authorization in Canada and build your path to permanent residence. From LMIA-based permits to LMIA exemptions, we guide you through all work permit categories and help you maximize your Canadian work experience.

2-4 Months Processing

94% Success Rate

Starting at $800

Work in Canada Temporarily

A work permit allows you to work in Canada temporarily. Most foreign workers need a work permit to work in Canada, with some exceptions. Work permits can be employer-specific or open, and many provide pathways to permanent residence through Canadian work experience.

Gain valuable Canadian work experience

Pathway to permanent residence

Spouse may be eligible for open work permit

Children can attend Canadian schools

400,000+

Work Permits Issued Annually

2024 Update: Canada continues to welcome foreign workers with streamlined processing for certain categories and enhanced pathways to permanent residence through Canadian work experience.

Types of Work Permits

Different categories of work permits based on your situation and employer needs

Most Common

LMIA-Based Work Permits

Work permits requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment from your employer

Processing: 2-6 months

Requirements:

Valid job offer from Canadian employer
Positive LMIA from employer
Meet job requirements
Demonstrate temporary intent

Benefits:

50-200 additional CRS points for Express Entry
Pathway to permanent residence
Spouse can apply for open work permit
Children can attend school

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

Work permits that don't require LMIA under international agreements or specific programs

Processing: 2-8 weeks

Requirements:

Qualify under LMIA exemption category
Valid job offer (if required)
Meet specific program requirements
Demonstrate qualifications

Benefits:

Faster processing times
No LMIA requirement
Various exemption categories
Pathway to permanent residence

Open Work Permits

Work permits allowing you to work for any employer in Canada

Processing: 4-12 weeks

Requirements:

Qualify under specific category
Meet eligibility requirements
Valid passport and documents
Pass medical exam (if required)

Benefits:

Work for any employer
Change jobs without new permit
Flexibility in employment
Available to specific categories

LMIA Exemption Categories

Work permits that don't require Labour Market Impact Assessment

LMIA Exemptions: These work permits are processed faster as they don't require employer to obtain LMIA. Eligibility depends on specific international agreements or Canadian interests.

International Agreements

CUSMA/NAFTA (Business visitors, Traders, Investors)
CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement)
CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership)
Other bilateral agreements

Significant Benefit

Intra-company transferees
Workers under Mobilité francophone
Self-employed persons
Entrepreneurs and investors

Reciprocal Employment

International Experience Canada (IEC)
Working Holiday Programs
Young Professionals Program
International Co-op Program

Competitiveness & Public Policy

Post-graduation work permits
Bridging open work permits
Spousal open work permits
Francophone mobility program

Pathways to Permanent Residence

How Canadian work experience can lead to permanent residence

Express Entry

50-200 CRS points

Gain additional CRS points with valid job offer and work experience

Requirements:

Valid job offer
LMIA (if required)
Meet Express Entry requirements

Provincial Nominee Program

600 CRS points

Many PNP streams prioritize workers with Canadian work experience

Requirements:

Work experience in province
Meet PNP stream requirements
Employer support (some streams)

Canadian Experience Class

Direct pathway

Apply through Express Entry with Canadian work experience

Requirements:

1+ years Canadian work experience
Language requirements
Skilled occupation

Quebec Experience Program

Provincial program

For workers with Quebec work experience

Requirements:

Quebec work experience
French language skills
Meet program requirements

Employer Requirements

What Canadian employers need to know about hiring foreign workers

LMIA Requirements

Demonstrate genuine need for foreign worker
Prove no Canadian available for position
Conduct recruitment efforts
Offer wages at or above median wage
Provide safe working conditions
Pay LMIA processing fee ($1,000)

Job Posting Requirements

Post job for minimum 4 weeks
Use Job Bank and 2 additional sources
Include all job requirements
Demonstrate recruitment efforts
Interview Canadian candidates
Provide recruitment report

Compliance Obligations

Maintain employment records
Comply with provincial employment standards
Provide safe workplace
Pay agreed wages and benefits
Report changes to ESDC
Subject to inspections

Important for Employers: Non-compliance with LMIA conditions or employment standards can result in penalties, bans from hiring foreign workers, and other serious consequences.

Work Permit Application Process

Step-by-step journey from job offer to work permit approval

Eligibility Assessment

1-2 weeks

Determine the best work permit category and assess eligibility requirements

Work permit category selection

Eligibility verification

Document requirements

LMIA assessment

Employer Preparation

2-4 months (LMIA)

Assist employer with LMIA application or verify LMIA exemption

LMIA application

Job posting requirements

Recruitment efforts

Wage determination

Document Collection

2-4 weeks

Gather all required documents for work permit application

Identity documents

Educational credentials

Work experience proof

Medical exams

Police certificates

Application Preparation

1-2 weeks

Complete work permit application forms and prepare submission package

Forms completion

Document organization

Fee payment

Application review

Application Processing

2-16 weeks

IRCC processes work permit application and makes decision

Application review

Background checks

Interview (if required)

Decision notification

Our Work Permit Services

Comprehensive support for your Canadian work permit application

LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

$800

Exemption category assessment
Eligibility verification
Document preparation
Application completion
Submission support
Processing guidance

Work Permit Success Stories

Real professionals who successfully obtained Canadian work permits

Carlos Rodriguez

Software Developer

LMIA-Based Work Permit

"Secured LMIA and work permit for tech company in Toronto. Now on pathway to permanent residence through Express Entry."

Priya Sharma

Registered Nurse

LMIA-Exempt (Healthcare)

"Fast-tracked work permit through healthcare stream. Employer sponsored for permanent residence after 6 months."

Jean-Pierre Dubois

Marketing Manager

Intra-Company Transfer

"Transferred from Paris office to Montreal. Used French language skills for additional Express Entry points."

Ready to Work in Canada?

Take the first step toward your Canadian career. Our experienced consultants will help you navigate the work permit process and build your pathway to permanent residence through Canadian work experience.