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WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
VisasCanadaWP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2-4 months

Application Fee

155 CAD

Stay Duration

Duration of employment

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
8% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$50,000
Quality of Life
172/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Work for a specific Canadian employer with an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment.

The Canadian Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-based) lets foreign nationals work for a named employer in a specific role. It requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment confirming no qualified Canadian was available, plus a formal job offer. The permit is tied to the employer, position, and LMIA duration.

Stay duration matches the employment contract, with renewals available by obtaining a new LMIA. Spouses may qualify for an open work permit. The permit supports a pathway to permanent residence via Express Entry, PNP, or other economic programs. Dual intent is permitted. Fee is CAD 155.

This visa is ideal for foreign workers with a specific Canadian job offer from an employer who has already secured a positive LMIA and want a route toward permanent residency.

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Canada flagCanada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
CEC — Canadian Experience Class
Canada flagCanada

CEC — Canadian Experience Class

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada flagCanada

FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canada flagCanada

FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing0-6 months
View Visa Details
PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program
Canada flagCanada

PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7-14 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Positive LMIA

Job offer

Qualifications for the role

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

LMIA

Job offer letter

Qualifications

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Wide range of occupations
  • Can lead to PR

Worth Knowing

  • LMIA process lengthy
  • Employer-specific

Application Process

1

Principal applies for PR: Primary applicant must have submitted PR application

2

Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt: Get AOR letter confirming PR application received

3

Check eligibility: Verify spouse/partner meets current eligibility criteria as of January 21, 2025

4

Create account: Establish IRCC online account

5

Complete OWP application: Submit open work permit application

6

Provide documentation: Upload marriage certificate, AOR, and identification

7

Pay fee: Pay CAD $155 work permit fee plus CAD $100 open work permit holder fee

8

Receive decision: Work permit approval in online account

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 1295
Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada
Fill online

Verified Claims (25)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsPrincipal applies for PR: Primary applicant must have submitted PR application; Receive Acknowledgem…canada.ca
Dependent VisaOpen work permit for spousecanada.ca
Fee BreakdownWork permit processing fee: 155 CADircc.canada.ca
FeesCAD 155ircc.canada.ca
FormsIMM 1295canada.ca
Forms · IMM 1295 · descriptionApplication for Work Permit Made Outside of Canadacanada.ca
Forms · IMM 1295 · urlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-gui…canada.ca
Included Nationalities—canada.ca

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