What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?

An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It proves that a Canadian employer tried but could not find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the job, thus authorizing them to hire a foreign worker.

Can my spouse work in Canada while I am on a Work Permit?

Yes, if you hold a valid work permit for a skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

Does getting a Work Permit guarantee Permanent Residence (PR)?

While a work permit is temporary, the Canadian work experience you gain is highly valuable. It can significantly boost your Express Entry CRS score or qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), creating a strong pathway to PR.

CACanada · Work Visa

Canada Work Permit

Apply for a Canada Work Permit. Complete guide to Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permits, Open Work Permits, LMIA requirements, and IRCC processing.

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Processing time

8-20 weeks

Overview

A Canada Work Permit is an official authorization issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada. The immigration system categorizes these permits into two main streams: Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which typically require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and Open Work Permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which allow eligible individuals to work for almost any Canadian employer without an LMIA.

Key benefits

Earn valuable Canadian work experience to boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Express Entry.

Opportunity for eligible spouses to accompany you and apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

Dependent school-age children can usually apply for a Study Permit to receive free public education.

Strong pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Fee breakdown

Indicative — confirmed after your free assessment.

IRCC Work Permit Processing FeeCAD$155

Open Work Permit Holder Fee (if applicable)CAD$100

Biometrics FeeCAD$85

GAC Advisors service feePKR — quoted after review*

Visa Validity & Stay

The duration of your work permit is strictly tied to the length of your job offer, the validity of your LMIA, or the specific rules of your open work permit category (such as PGWP rules). If you hold an Employer-Specific Work Permit, you are legally restricted to working only for the employer, position, and location specified on the physical document.

Eligibility criteria

✓Secure a genuine, valid job offer from a Canadian employer along with an approved LMIA (for Employer-Specific permits).

✓Meet the specific eligibility criteria for an Open Work Permit stream (e.g., Post-Graduation Work Permit, SOWP, or Bridging Open Work Permit).

✓Prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada.

✓Pass an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) if your occupation requires it, and present a clear police record.

✓Demonstrate temporary intent, convincing the IRCC officer that you will leave Canada upon the expiration of your work permit.

Required documents

▸Job offer or sponsorship letter

▸Updated CV and professional reference letters

▸Degrees and professional certificates

▸Skills assessment result, where applicable

▸English test results (IELTS/PTE)

▸Valid passport and photographs

Mandatory Documents

Valid Passport with adequate remaining validity.
Official Job Offer Letter from your Canadian employer (if applying for a closed work permit).
A copy of the positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) provided by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Completed IRCC Work Permit Application Forms (e.g., IMM 1295 for outside Canada).
Biometrics fee receipt and instruction letter.
Recent passport-size photographs meeting IRCC specifications.

Supporting Documents

Detailed Employment Contract outlining job duties, salary, and duration of employment.
Updated Professional CV/Resume and Proof of Work Experience (reference letters, pay slips).
Educational certificates, degrees, transcripts, and professional licenses if required for the specific job role.
Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) and upfront Medical Examination results (if applicable).
Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates (if applying alongside dependents).
Proof of Financial Support (bank statements) to cover initial settling costs in Canada.

DS-160 Application Guide

Work permit applications are securely submitted online via the IRCC Secure Portal (GCKey). Applicants must accurately complete the eligibility questionnaire to generate a personalized document checklist. You will need to upload your LMIA number, employment contract, identity documents, and pay the mandatory CAD 155 application fee digitally.

Step-by-step application process

Determine Your Permit Category

Identify whether you need an Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit or qualify for an Open Work Permit.

Secure a Job Offer & LMIA

Receive a formal job offer. For closed permits, your Canadian employer must apply for and secure an approved LMIA.

Gather Required Documentation

Compile your LMIA, employment contract, educational credentials, and financial proof.

Submit IRCC Application & Pay Fees

Apply online through the IRCC portal, upload your documents, and pay the CAD 155 fee (plus CAD 100 if applying for an open work permit).

Provide Biometrics & Medicals

Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your biometrics and complete an approved medical exam if your job requires it.

Receive Port of Entry (POE) Letter

Once IRCC approves your application, you will receive a Letter of Introduction.

Travel & Obtain Physical Permit

Present your POE letter and job documents to the CBSA officer upon arrival in Canada to receive your official Work Permit.

Visa Interview Guidelines

While formal visa interviews are rare for Canadian Work Permits, your final approval is determined at the Canadian Port of Entry by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. Always hand-carry your original Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, your valid LMIA, the job offer letter, and proof of qualifications to present at the border.

Common mistakes to avoid

✕Applying for an Employer-Specific Work Permit without a valid, approved LMIA or LMIA-exemption code.

✕Submitting a generic CV that fails to clearly match the specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) code duties required for the job.

✕Providing insufficient proof of financial resources or failing to prove temporary intent to leave Canada after the permit expires.

✕Using unauthorized agents or falling for job scams where applicants illegally pay for the employer’s LMIA fee.

How we prevent refusals

✓Request ATIP / GCMS Notes from IRCC to pinpoint the visa officer’s exact concerns regarding your qualifications or intent.

✓Ensure your work experience letters clearly align with the duties listed in the official Canadian NOC system for your offered role.

✓If refused on temporary intent, restructure your application to show much stronger economic, property, or family ties to your home country.

✓Consult an authorized immigration professional before reapplying to ensure all documentation completely satisfies IRCC criteria.

Important Tips for Applicants

✦Always ensure your prospective employer is fully compliant with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) regulations and has obtained a valid LMIA.
✦Never start working in Canada until you have been issued your physical work permit document by the CBSA officer at the border.
✦Track your permit expiry date meticulously; if you wish to extend your stay, you must apply before the current permit expires to benefit from "maintained status".
✦Beware of fraudulent job offers. Genuine Canadian employers do not ask you to pay for the LMIA fee, as it is legally the employer’s responsibility.