Work Permits & LMIA

Employer-specific work permit

Most foreign nationals require a work permit to work in Canada. There are two types of work permits: Employer-specific work permit and Open work permit

Employer-specific work permit: An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as

  • the name of the specific employer you can work for

  • how long you can work

  • the location where you can work (if applicable)

Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you a copy of your employment contract and 1 of the following:

  • a copy of a labor market impact assessment (LMIA)

  • an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)

LMIA

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter. If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one. Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit. To apply for a work permit, a worker needs

  • a job offer letter

  • a contract

  • a copy of the LMIA, and

  • the LMIA number

Open Work Permit

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that is listed as ineligible on the list of employers. You can only get an open work permit in specific situations

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

  • are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

  • are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)

  • have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada

  • applied for permanent residence in Canada

  • are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence

  • are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student

  • are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

  • are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member

  • are under an unenforceable removal order

  • are a temporary resident permit holder

  • are a young worker participating in special programs

  • Not sure which one you should get? Contact us to find out what type of work permit you need for your situation.

  • If you want to bring your family with you

  • Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to work, study or live with you while you work in Canada

Do you have any questions about Work Permits or LMIA? Are you looking to extend/renew your current Work Permit? Contact us to apply for a work permit or LMIA and to learn more about their requirements.