Work Permits / LMIAs

Work Permits / LMIAs

Employers wishing to hire a foreign worker must ensure they comply with immigration laws and hire only individuals who have valid authorization to work in Canada. Depending on the type of work, duration, citizenship, and other factors, different requirements apply.

Most job positions require both an LMIA and a Work Permit, while others require only a work permit, and some do not require a permit at all.

To find out whether an LMIA and/or Work Permit is required, refer to the categories below.

Jobs That Require a Positive LMIA

In most cases, employers must receive a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a foreign worker. This ensures no qualified Canadians were available for the position, and that the foreign worker will receive wages and benefits meeting federal and provincial standards.

Employers must demonstrate recruitment efforts and may be inspected after the worker begins employment.

Learn more in the LMIA Required Jobs section.

LMIA–Exempt Jobs & Foreign Workers

Some categories do not require a positive LMIA in order to obtain a work permit. However, an LMIA exemption does not exempt someone from requiring a work permit.

LMIA exemptions apply to categories such as:

  • International Agreements (NAFTA, CETA, GATS, etc.)
  • Global Talent Stream
  • Entrepreneurs / Self-Employed
  • Intra-Company Transfers
  • International Exchange Programs
  • Spouses & Dependents of Foreign Workers
  • French-Speaking Skilled Workers
  • Religious Workers
  • Academics
  • Provincial LMIA Exemptions

Learn more in the LMIA Exempt Jobs section.

Global Talent Stream

Employers seeking to hire highly skilled IT or specialized talent may apply through the Global Talent Stream, benefiting from expedited 2-week processing to quickly bring workers to Canada.

Learn more in the Global Talent Stream section.

Work Without a Work Permit

Certain occupations and scenarios allow foreign nationals to work in Canada without a work permit.

The following categories qualify:

  • Athletes and team members
  • Aviation accident/incident inspectors
  • Business visitors
  • Civil aviation inspectors
  • Clergy
  • Convention organizers
  • Crew members
  • Emergency service providers
  • Examiners and evaluators
  • Expert witnesses or investigators
  • Foreign government officers
  • Foreign representatives & their families
  • Health care students
  • Implied status workers
  • Judges, referees, similar officials
  • Military personnel
  • News reporters & media crews
  • On-campus and some off-campus employment
  • Performing artists
  • Public speakers

Learn more in the Work Without a Permit section.

Open Work Permit (OWP)

An Open Work Permit allows a foreign national to work for any employer in Canada without needing an LMIA or job offer.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Spouses/common-law partners of temporary foreign workers
  • Spouses/common-law partners of foreign students
  • Spouses/common-law partners being sponsored under Inland Spousal Sponsorship
  • Graduating international students (PGWP program)
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday participants

Learn more in the Open Work Permit section.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A BOWP allows eligible applicants for permanent residence to continue working while their PR application is being processed.

Eligible categories include:

  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Learn more in the Bridging Open Work Permit section.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The IEC program allows youth (18–35) from partner countries to work in Canada on a temporary basis.

The IEC includes three categories:

  • Working Holiday
  • Young Professionals
  • International Co-op

Learn more in the International Experience Class section.

Work While Studying

Full-time students at eligible institutions may work on campus without a work permit. Students may work at multiple campuses if they are in the same municipality.

Eligible institutions include:

  • Universities
  • Community Colleges
  • CEGEPs
  • Publicly funded trade/technical schools
  • Private institutions authorized to confer degrees

Graduate, research, or teaching assistants may work off-campus at affiliated facilities such as hospitals or research institutes.

Learn more in the Work While Studying section.

Need Help?

Contact us for more information about working in Canada or for assistance in applying for a work permit.