Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work legally in Canada. The pathway depends on whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-Based)
Most work permits require the employer to first obtain a positive LMIA from ESDC, confirming no qualified Canadian is available for the role.
- Step 1: Canadian employer applies to ESDC for an LMIA
- Step 2: Worker applies for a work permit using the LMIA and job offer
- Permit is tied to that employer — changing jobs requires a new permit application
How we can help: We assist employers through the LMIA process and workers through the work permit application.
Open Work Permit
Allows you to work for almost any Canadian employer, without a specific job offer or LMIA. Common eligible categories:
- Spouses or common-law partners of skilled temporary foreign workers (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- Spouses or common-law partners of full-time international students in eligible programs
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders
- Certain bridging applicants awaiting a PR decision
How we can help: We identify the right open work permit category for you and prepare the application.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Certain workers can obtain a permit without an LMIA under international agreements or IRCC policy:
- Intra-company transferees (executives, senior managers, specialized knowledge workers)
- Professionals and traders under free trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, and others)
- International Experience Canada (IEC) — Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op (ages 18–35, eligible countries only)
- Significant Benefit to Canada — researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs (C-11)
How we can help: LMIA-exempt pathways are often faster and less costly. We assess your eligibility and file under the International Mobility Program.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when qualified Canadians are not available.
- High-Wage Stream: positions at or above the provincial/territorial median wage
- Low-Wage Stream: positions below median wage (additional employer requirements apply)
- Agricultural Stream: seasonal and year-round farm workers
How we can help: We guide employers through LMIA applications and workers through the work permit process.