LMIA-based Work Permit (Employer-Specific)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 2-16 weeks depending on country and stream
- Fee
- CAD $155 (work permit) + $85 (biometrics). Employer pays $1,000 LMIA fee separately.
- Validity
- Duration of job offer, typically 1-3 years
- Entry
- Single entry
Employer-specific work permit requiring a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Employer must prove no Canadian worker available. LMIA fee of CAD $1,000 paid by employer. Global Skills Strategy offers 2-week processing for eligible applications. Tied to specific employer, position, and location.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer supported by a positive LMIA. Must demonstrate qualifications and experience for the position.
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Criminal record
Must be admissible to Canada.
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Health
May need medical exam if working in health care, child care, primary/secondary education, or if from a designated country and staying 6+ months.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: IMM 1295 - Application for Work Permit; Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/work-permit/apply.html
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre in your country
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
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Labor market assessment
Assessment number: LMIA confirmation number provided by employer; Issuing authority: Employment and Social Development Canada
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain LMIA number from Canadian employer, gather job offer letter, employment contract, qualifications proof, and identity documents.
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Online application
Apply online through IRCC portal. Provide LMIA number, job offer details, and upload supporting documents.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $155 work permit processing fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee.
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics at designated collection point within 30 days of instruction letter.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing. Global Skills Strategy applications aim for 2-week processing. Standard processing varies by country.
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Visa collection
If approved, receive Port of Entry Letter of Introduction. If visa-required, receive TRV stamp. Present documents at border to receive work permit.