Canada•North America7 months
CA$385 CAD
Varies by filing options
1 to 3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required

An employer-specific (closed) work permit issued to foreign nationals whose employment in Canada will bring significant social, cultural, or economic benefits.
The C10 is a Canadian employer-specific work permit for foreign nationals whose employment delivers a clear social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada. It is LMIA-exempt and requires the employer to register the offer through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a CAD 230 compliance fee.
Stay duration typically matches the job offer, commonly 1–3 years, and the permit is renewable. The applicant pays CAD 155 (work permit) plus CAD 85 biometrics. Spouses may qualify for an open work permit. Dual intent is permitted, but C10 does not provide a direct permanent residence pathway.
This visa is ideal for distinguished professionals — artists, engineers, or specialists — with a Canadian job offer who can demonstrate their work provides clear, measurable benefit to Canada.

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Valid, genuine job offer from a Canadian employer
Proposed employment must bring significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada
Demonstrable record of distinction in the field (awards, credentials, expert support)
Employer must submit offer via IRCC Employer Portal and pay compliance fee
Proof of significant benefit (business plan, expert letters)
Proof of distinction (CV, awards, publications)
Valid passport
Proof of meeting job requirements
| Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada | Fill online |
| Offer of Employment to a Foreign National | Fill online |
| IMM 1295 Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada | Fill online |
| Employer Portal Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from an LMIA (submitted via IRCC Employer Portal; IMM 5802 for exceptional cases) | — |

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