Canada employer-specific work permit

People with a job offer from an eligible employer in Canada who meet the general work-permit requirements.

• Job offer

  You need a job offer from an employer who is not on the list of non-compliant employers.

  canada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource

• Employer documents

  For a job requiring an LMIA, your employer must provide a positive LMIA and file number, an employment contract and a job offer letter. For an LMIA-exempt job, your employer must provide an employment contract and, unless an exception applies, an offer of employment number.

  canada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource

• Meet the job requirements

  Provide proof that you meet the requirements of the job, such as a licence or certification if the job is regulated. The guidance states no single education or work-experience threshold for all employer-specific permits.

  canada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource

• Enough money

  Show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home. The amount can depend on family size, the community and the work-permit programme.

  canada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource

• Leave when the permit expires

  Show that you will leave Canada before your work permit expires.

  canada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource

• Be admissible

  An application may be refused for medical inadmissibility, a record of criminal activity, a danger to Canada's security, misrepresentation or other inadmissibility. A police certificate or medical examination may be requested.

  canada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource

• Submit the required documents

  For an application from outside Canada, include form IMM 1295, a copy of a valid passport or travel document, one photograph and all documents on your personalised checklist; provide other documents requested to establish that you can enter Canada.

  canada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource

• Work permit processingcanada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource$155 per person
• Biometrics, if requiredcanada.ca · checked 5 days agoSource$85 per person

1. Get ready

   • Get a job offer

     Get an offer from an employer who is not on the list of non-compliant employers.

     You’ll need: Job offer

   • Ask your employer about the LMIA

     Your employer must check whether the job needs an LMIA and apply for one if it does.

   • Collect your employment documents

     Get the documents for an LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt job from your employer, and gather proof that you meet the job requirements.

     You’ll need: Employment contract, Positive LMIA and file number or offer of employment number, as applicable, Job offer letter if an LMIA is required, Proof that you meet the job requirements

   • Prepare your application

     Check for special instructions and prepare the forms and documents on your personalised checklist.

     You’ll need: IMM 1295, Copy of valid passport or travel document, Photograph, Documents on the personalised checklist

2. Apply

   • Submit a complete application

     Sign in to an IRCC secure account, upload your documents, pay the applicable fees and submit the application.

     You’ll need: Application forms, Supporting documents

3. Visa

   • Give biometrics if required

     If required, wait for the biometrics instruction letter and then book a collection appointment.

     You’ll need: Biometrics instruction letter

   • Wait for a decision

     If approved, you will receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction, which is not itself a work permit.

     You’ll need: Port-of-entry letter of introduction, if approved

4. Travel

   • Present your documents at the border

     When you arrive

     Bring your passport, proof of approval and any required visa or valid medical results; a border officer makes the final decision and prints the work permit.

     You’ll need: Passport, Proof of work-permit approval, Visitor visa, if required, Valid medical results, if required

5. Settle in

   • Get a social insurance number

     Apply for a social insurance number as soon as you arrive and check your health-insurance arrangements.

     You’ll need: Work permit

You may be able to extend or change your work permit or apply for permanent residence; neither is automatic.

• Work permit: Submit your application from outside Canada – Steps and priority processing - Canada.cacanada.caOfficial
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/ch…Official
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/pe…Official
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/pe…Official
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/pe…Official
• Employer-specific work permits: eligibility, LMIA, and application steps - Canada.cacanada.caOfficial
• Work permit: Forms and document requirements for applications outside Canada - Canada.cacanada.caOfficial
• Work permit: Apply from outside Canada – Eligibility and requirements - Canada.cacanada.caOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.