WORK PERMITS
Canada depends on thousands of workers every year to bolster its economyWork Permits and LMIA
In order for foreign nationals to work in Canada, they have to apply for a work permit before they arrive in Canada. However, there are some exceptions where foreign workers do not require a work permit to work in Canada on a temporary basis.
Process of obtaining the work permit
Canadian employers will need to provide foreign workers either an approval from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) or an Offer of Employment number issued by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- You need to get a job offer from a Canadian employer before you apply.
- The employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
- ESDC will decide whether the employer can hire a foreign worker to fill the job.
LMIA-Based Work Permit
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada and is required in order to apply for most Canadian work permits. Prior to submitting the application for an LMIA, the employer must advertise and Job Bank must be one source. Candidates for an LMIA for a temporary position have an associated application fee for each temporary foreign worker position applied for. The positive LMIA is provided by Service Canada / ESDC to the employer, who will give it to the foreign workers to submit with their applications for the work permit.
Latest News
Canada welcomes historic number of newcomers in 2022
Government reaches target of 431,645 new permanent residents January 3, 2023—Ottawa—Canada has...
IRCC approves Pearson Test of English for Canadian immigration applications
By the end of 2023, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) will...
Canada to welcome 500,000 new immigrants in 2025
The Immigration Levels Plan acts as a guide for the number of immigrants Canada aims to welcome...
Transitioning to online applications for permanent residence
As part of efforts to modernize Canada’s immigration system and improve client service,...
A stronger immigration system that better serves newcomers
continues to be a destination of choice for people looking for a new place to work, study, and build their lives.
Tackling immigration backlogs to help Canadian businesses grow
August 24, 2022—Ottawa—Canada is a destination of choice for people looking for a new place to...