Canada Work Permits and LMIA
Whether you have a Canadian job offer, qualify for an open work permit, or you are a Canadian employer trying to hire from abroad, we handle the LMIA and work permit process end to end.
What Is a Canada Work Permit?
A Canada work permit authorizes a foreign national to work for a specific employer, or in some cases for any employer, for a defined period. Most employer-specific work permits need a positive or exempt Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the document that confirms hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. Some categories, like CUSMA professionals, intra-company transfers and PGWP holders, are LMIA-exempt and follow their own rules instead.
We support both sides of this process, foreign workers trying to get a compliant, approvable work permit, and Canadian employers who need an LMIA done correctly the first time.
We support both sides of this process, foreign workers trying to get a compliant, approvable work permit, and Canadian employers who need an LMIA done correctly the first time.
Who Is Eligible?
| Factor | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job Offer | Genuine offer from a Canadian employer, supported by an LMIA or an LMIA exemption |
| Qualifications | Education, licensing and experience matching the NOC code of the offered role |
| LMIA (Employer Side) | Proof of genuine recruitment effort and a wage meeting the prevailing rate for the role |
| Language Ability | Sufficient to perform the job safely and communicate at work, though not always a formal test |
| Compliance History | No prior immigration violations or employer non-compliance flags |
| Open Work Permit Eligibility | Open work permits (including Spousal Open Work Permits) follow tightened IRCC rules. Since January 21, 2025, SOWP eligibility for spouses of students and foreign workers has narrowed significantly. As of March 4, 2026, additional restrictions apply for spouses of students in their final academic term. Family-class spousal PR sponsorship remains a separate pathway and is unaffected. We assess eligibility against current rules before you apply. |
What's Included in Our Service
- ✓ Free assessment of which work permit category actually fits your situation
- ✓ LMIA application preparation and filing for Canadian employers, including the recruitment and advertising process
- ✓ Employer-specific work permit filing once the LMIA or exemption is in place
- ✓ Open work permit applications for eligible spouses and PGWP holders
- ✓ Support with permit extensions, employer changes and compliance obligations
- ✓ Guidance on transitioning from a work permit toward permanent residency
Our Process
01
Assessment
We confirm whether your route needs an LMIA, is LMIA-exempt, or falls under an open work permit category.
02
Employer/LMIA Support
For employer-driven cases, we guide the recruitment process and prepare a complete, defensible LMIA application.
03
Documentation
We put together the full supporting document set for both the employer and the worker before anything is filed.
04
Work Permit Filing
We prepare and submit the work permit application and track it through to a decision.
05
Post-Approval Support
We help with compliance requirements, extensions, and planning your next step toward permanent residency.
Documents You'll Typically Need
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Job offer letter and employment contract
- ✓ LMIA confirmation or proof of LMIA exemption
- ✓ Proof of qualifications, licensing and relevant work experience
- ✓ Medical exam, where the occupation or country of residence requires one
- ✓ Police clearance certificate
FAQS
Work Permit and LMIA Questions
How long do open work permits take to process in Canada?
+In-Canada open work permit processing can take roughly 6 to 8.5 months in 2026, depending on IRCC inventories and your category. We set expectations upfront and prepare a complete file to avoid avoidable delays.
What is an LMIA and who applies for it?
+A Labour Market Impact Assessment is applied for by the Canadian employer, not the foreign worker. It is Employment and Social Development Canada’s way of confirming that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available and willing to do the job at the offered wage.
Do all work permits need an LMIA?
+No. Categories like intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals, PGWP holders and certain spousal open work permits are LMIA-exempt. We will tell you upfront which category actually applies instead of defaulting to the LMIA route.
How long does an LMIA application take?
+LMIA processing varies by stream and occupation — from a few weeks for some high-demand streams to several months for others. Worker-side open work permits filed in Canada are often longer (about 6–8.5 months in 2026). We give you a realistic timeline based on the specific stream.
Can my spouse work in Canada while I hold a work permit?
+Sometimes — but not automatically. Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility has been narrowed since January 21, 2025 for many spouses of students and foreign workers, with further limits from March 4, 2026 for students in their final academic term. Family-class PR sponsorship rules are separate. We check your exact category before recommending a SOWP.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residency?
+Often, yes. Canadian work experience can count toward the Canadian Experience Class, and many PNP streams specifically target candidates already working in the province. We build your work permit application with that longer-term goal in mind wherever possible.