Work Permits Canada
At IPJ Immigration Solutions, our team brings over 20 years of experience guiding skilled workers and families through the Canada work permit process. With personalized support and deep knowledge of immigration law, we help make your dream of working in Canada a reality, with confidence.
Your Trusted Partner for Work Permits in Canada
A Canadian work permit gives you temporary permission to work in Canada in a specific job or under an open permit. It allows access to jobs in high-demand sectors like IT, construction, healthcare, and skilled trades. Many workers later use this experience to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Canada offers a stable economy and fair hiring rules. Most employer-specific permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which confirms the employer can hire a foreign worker. In many cases, spouses can also qualify for open work permits. Work permits follow rules under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and require a valid job offer or exemption, along with proof you will respect permit conditions. Some humanitarian situations may also qualify for special consideration.
At IPJ Immigration, our women-owned RCIC team has guided thousands over 20 years. We go beyond forms by helping with job alignment, document preparation, and risk review. Our goal is to make the work permit process clear, personal, and achievable.
Who Can Apply for a Canadian Work Permit?
Skilled professionals, company transferees, graduates, and family members may qualify for a work permit under different categories of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Applications are assessed based on eligibility and not nationality.
You may qualify with a valid job offer under NOC TEER 0–5, LMIA approval from an employer, or exemptions such as spousal open work permits. Some permits are employer-specific, while others are open permits that allow more flexibility.
Company executives transferring within the same organization or graduates with a PGWP may also qualify. Programs like the Global Talent Stream allow faster hiring for certain priority occupations.
Pathways to Canadian Work Permits
Canada offers employer-based, open, and exemption-based permit options. LMIA-based permits are common, while priority streams can offer faster processing.
Program | Who It Serves | Processing Time | LMIA Required |
LMIA-Based Work Permit | Skilled workers with employer sponsorship | 10–20 weeks | Yes |
Global Talent Stream (GTS) | Tech and priority occupation workers | 2 weeks | Sometimes |
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Multinational executives and managers | 4–8 weeks | No |
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Recent international graduates | 8–12 weeks | No |
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) | Partners of eligible workers or students | 4–8 weeks | No |
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | PR applicants waiting for decision | 4–6 weeks | No |
International Experience Canada (IEC) | Youth work experience programs | 4–12 weeks | No |
Agri-Food Pilot | Agriculture and food industry workers | 10–16 weeks | Yes |
Caregiver Programs | Home support and caregiver workers | 12–24 weeks | Yes |
CUSMA Professionals | Eligible professionals under trade agreement | 2–4 weeks | No |
LMIA: The Primary Road to Work Permits
LMIA is an assessment by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It confirms no Canadian worker is available for the job. This is required for most employer-specific permits.
Employers apply through the ESDC system. They provide job duties, salary details, and recruitment proof. If approved, a positive LMIA allows the worker to apply for a permit. If refused, the permit cannot proceed.
The LMIA is included in the IRCC work permit application. Processing often takes about 10 weeks, but priority jobs may be faster. Canada focuses on shortages in trades, healthcare, and skilled occupations.
After LMIA approval, you submit the IMM 1295 form, LMIA copy, job offer letter, qualifications, and biometrics. Some exemptions, like intra-company transfers, do not require LMIA.
Open work permits and exemption-based permits are also available in certain situations. Employer compliance and accurate documents improve approval chances.
Work Permit Eligibility Requirements
Key criteria are verified through employer documents and eligibility checks.
- Job Offer: Valid offer from a Canadian employer showing duties, wages, and NOC code.
- LMIA: Positive LMIA or exemption under eligible programs. Quebec may require additional approval.
- Qualifications: Education and experience matching the job. Credential assessment may be required.
- Home Ties: Proof of ties such as family, job, or future plans outside Canada.
- Health/Security: Medical exam may be required for long-term work. Police certificates may also be required.
Families may qualify to accompany the main applicant. Spouses may qualify for open work permits, and children may qualify for visitor status.
The Work Permit Application Process
Applications are usually submitted online through the IRCC Portal. Processing times vary between 4 and 20 weeks. Biometrics are usually required within 30 days.
- Assess/Prepare: Confirm LMIA or exemption eligibility. Employers provide job offers and LMIA if required.
- Gather Documents: Passport, LMIA copy, job offer letter, education and experience proof, and home ties.
- Submit: Upload documents and pay $155 processing fee and $85 biometrics fee.
- Biometrics/Medical: Complete biometrics and medical exam if required.
- Verification: IRCC reviews job details, background, and eligibility.
- Decision: If approved, you receive a work permit approval letter.
- Arrival/Work: Present documents at entry. Work permits may be valid up to 3 years and can be extended.
Complete and accurate applications reduce delays and improve approval chances.
Costs and Fees for Canadian Work Permits
Total for one: $400–$800 CAD (LMIA extra).
IRCC Fees
$155 processing per applicant
$85 biometrics per person ($170 family)
Additional Costs
LMIA: $1,000 employer fee
Medical: $200–$500
Police certificates: $25–$100
Proof of Funds (if required)
Varies by job; may need proof of financial support
Employers usually cover LMIA and recruitment costs. Quebec may require additional provincial fees.
Two Ways to Work With Us – Same Commitment, Different Support Levels
Every immigration journey is unique. Some prefer to be hands-on, while others need a team to manage everything.
We offer two options to match your desired level of support. Whether you want to handle parts of your application or leave it all to us, you’ll receive clear guidance and a dedicated legal team committed to your success.
Full Representation
This is our all-inclusive service, where we handle every detail of your immigration journey. From submitting your application to preparing all documentation and managing communication with the IRCC, we take full responsibility to ensure your process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Professional Audit
For those who prefer to manage their own application, this package provides expert guidance and a detailed review of your work. We provide a comprehensive strategy, a custom checklist for your documents, and a final legal audit to ensure your application is complete and error-free before submission.
How We Charge: Clear, Fair, and Transparent
We keep our pricing simple and predictable. You always know what you’re paying for, and there are no hidden fees or surprises.
What Our Clients Say
Every application represents someone’s hopes, dreams, and future. Here are just a few of the people we’ve been honored to help.
Trusted Immigration Guidance Backed by 20+ Years of Experience
We guide our clients with clear, steady expertise. For more than 20 years, our team has supported individuals and families through every stage of the Canadian immigration process — from temporary residence to permanent residence, citizenship, and complex cases that require careful strategy.
Experienced in Both Simple and Complex Cases
From straightforward applications to misrepresentation, inadmissibility, and procedural fairness letters, we bring over 20 years of experience to every situation — whether you need full representation or a guided review before submitting.
Warm, Human Support for Every Client
We take the time to understand your story, your goals, and your concerns. You’re never treated like a file number — you’re a person, and your journey matters.
ESL‑Friendly Communication
We explain every step in clear, simple language. No jargon. No confusion. Just steady, accessible guidance that supports both full‑service clients and those completing their own applications.
Thorough, Organized Application Preparation
Every form, document, and submission is reviewed with care to reduce delays and strengthen your application — including detailed reviews for clients who want expert feedback before submitting on their own.
Transparent, Predictable Process
You always know what stage you’re in, what comes next, and what we’re doing on your behalf. No surprises, no uncertainty
Clear, Steady Guidance You Can Trust
Immigration can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re preparing your application on your own. We provide calm, organized support so you always know what to expect and how to move forward.
A Women‑Led, Family‑Run Firm
Our approach is grounded in empathy, integrity, and genuine care — values that shape every interaction and every application we support.
A Lawyer and Immigration Consultants Working Together
Your application benefits from a team that combines legal insight with regulated Canadian immigration consulting. Our professionals are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, and we maintain active memberships with CILA and CAPIC to stay current with evolving policies and best practices. This collaborative approach strengthens your strategy, reduces errors, and ensures your case is reviewed from multiple professional perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most employer-specific work permits require a positive LMIA. Some permits are LMIA-exempt, depending on the job type and eligibility category.
Processing time depends on the permit type and application details. Some priority programs are faster, while standard LMIA permits may take longer.
Eligibility rules may vary based on the main applicant’s job level, program, or status. Open permits are not available in every situation.
Some LMIA-exempt permits may allow border application, depending on eligibility. Most applicants apply online before traveling.
You may apply for an extension before expiry. Applying early helps you maintain your legal work status.
How Would You Like to Get Started?
You can reach us in the way that feels most comfortable for you. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can book a consultation. If you’re still deciding between Guided Application Review and Full Care Representation, you can complete a short questionnaire and receive a personalized recommendation within 24 hours.
Book a Consultation
Free 15‑Minute Discovery Call
A short conversation to understand your situation and help you choose between Full Care Representation and Guided Application Review.
Paid 45‑Minute Consultation
A focused session for specific needs such as strategy, refusals, restoring status, or detailed immigration questions.
Clear, practical guidance tailored to your case.
Start With a Guided Questionnaire
Complete a short questionnaire to help us understand your comfort level, your timeline, and the complexity of your situation. A licensed consultant will review your answers and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, personalized recommendation.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive clear, honest guidance from a team that cares about your future.
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