Canada•North AmericaWork Permit - Employer-Specific
At a Glance
Processing Time
56-84 days
Application Fee
1,155 CAD
Stay Duration
Up to 4 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Work authorization permitting employment with a specific employer only. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from employer demonstrating need for foreign worker.
An employer-specific work permit restricts employment to a designated employer. This pathway requires the employer to first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving there are no available Canadian workers for the position.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
1 day
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Professional
Required Skills
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid for duration of intended stay
Passport photo
Recent biometric-style photo
Job offer letter
From Canadian employer with detailed position information
LMIA positive decision
Labour Market Impact Assessment confirmation from ESDC
Police certificate
If required by IRCC
OptionalMedical exam
If required by IRCC
OptionalSponsor Documents
Employer authorization
Signed offer letter from authorized employer representative
LMIA application confirmation
Evidence employer applied for and received positive LMIA
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Advantages
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Can bring family dependents
- Work experience counts toward PR applications
- Employer must meet wage and working condition standards
- LMIA ensures job legitimacy
Considerations
- Tied to specific employer
- Employer must obtain expensive LMIA
- Long processing time
- Limited to occupation covered by LMIA
- Cannot change employers without new LMIA
- High total cost (LMIA plus application fees)
Application Process
Employer obtains LMIA
Employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment from ESDC to prove need for foreign worker
Receive positive LMIA
Employer receives LMIA positive decision (valid 6 months)
Gather documents
Collect offer letter, passport, identification, and police/medical certificates
Create account
Set up IRCC online account
Complete application
Submit work permit application with LMIA confirmation
Upload documents
Include LMIA letter, offer letter, passport, and supporting documents
Pay fee
Pay CAD $155 work permit fee plus CAD $85 biometric fee
Biometric appointment
Provide fingerprints and photograph
Receive decision
Work permit approval in secure account
Application Forms
Application for a Work Permit
Form ID: IMM 1295
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