LMIA-based permits fall under distinct Temporary Foreign Worker Program streams.
A positive LMIA supports the permit; it does not guarantee approval. The worker still must prove qualifications, admissibility and temporary-residence requirements.
| TFWP route | Typical use | Important employer requirement |
|---|---|---|
| High-wage stream | Job at or above the provincial/territorial wage threshold | Recruitment, prevailing wage and normally a transition plan |
| Low-wage stream | Job below the applicable wage threshold | Cap, recruitment, prevailing wage and additional transport, housing or insurance duties where applicable |
| Global Talent Stream | Eligible innovative employers or listed in-demand occupations | Category A referral or Category B occupation plus a Labour Market Benefits Plan; qualifying workers may receive two-week work-permit processing |
| Primary agriculture / SAWP | Eligible farm, commodity and worker-country situations | Stream-specific housing, transport, contract and recruitment rules |
| In-home caregiver hiring | Home child-care or home-support employment where the current LMIA route is available | Employer and job must meet the caregiver-specific wage, duties and household/business requirements |
| Recognized Employer Pilot | Only employers already recognized before intake closed September 16, 2024 | Simplified LMIA access continues for enrolled employers until the pilot concludes December 31, 2026; no new REP enrolment |
Every worker must qualify for the permit and for temporary residence.
- 01
Identify the exact work-permit category and prove the applicant has the education, experience, language ability and professional licence needed for the real job duties.
- 02
Show a valid passport, truthful immigration and family history, sufficient funds where relevant, and an intention to leave Canada when authorized stay ends. A future PR plan can coexist with a credible temporary plan under dual intent.
- 03
Address prior refusals, unauthorized work or study, loss of status, removal history, criminality, security, medical issues and any possible misrepresentation directly.
- 04
Complete an immigration medical when required, especially for health care, child care, primary or secondary education, agriculture from designated countries, or extended residence in a designated country.
- 05
A spouse or child does not automatically receive a work permit. Each family member needs their own application and must meet the current family-member rules.
First determine whether the job is LMIA-required, LMIA-exempt or open-permit work.
Job title alone never proves the route. NOC/TEER, duties, wage, location, employer, duration and exemption code must tell one consistent story.
| Route | Employer step | Worker receives |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA) | Employer applies to ESDC, meets recruitment, wage, business and program rules, and obtains a positive LMIA | LMIA number/copy, signed offer and employment contract for the work-permit application |
| International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt) | Employer normally submits the offer and pays the employer-compliance fee through the Employer Portal before the worker applies | Offer-of-employment number, usually beginning with A followed by 7 digits, plus contract and proof of the exemption |
| Open work permit | No employer filing is normally required before the permit application | Proof that the applicant personally fits the open-permit category |
| Work without a permit | No LMIA or permit only if a precise statutory exemption covers the work | Evidence of the exemption and the correct travel document; border admission is still required |
Apply from the place authorized by the rules.
| Place | When it may be available | Key caution |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Canada | The normal route for someone who needs authorization before travelling | Approval produces a port-of-entry letter—not the physical permit. The officer issues the permit after examination on arrival. |
| Inside Canada | Extensions and changes, plus only the categories IRCC specifically allows to make an initial in-Canada application | Being physically in Canada as a visitor does not generally create eligibility to apply inside Canada. |
| Port of entry | Certain visa-exempt applicants who meet all POE conditions and carry the LMIA or offer number where required | IRCC recommends applying before travel. Visa-required travellers, most non-US IEC applicants, SAWP workers and PGWP applicants cannot use this route. |
| Québec job | Federal work-permit rules plus Québec requirements where applicable | An LMIA-based paid job over 30 days commonly also needs a CAQ unless an exemption applies. |
Build the document package around the permit route and real job.
- 01
Outside-Canada files normally use IMM 1295; in-Canada extension/change files use IMM 5710. Follow the personalized checklist and local visa-office instructions rather than an old saved list.
- 02
Provide passport pages, digital photo, civil/family records, proof of current status, translations, biometrics and medical evidence where required.
- 03
For employer-specific work, include the signed job offer/contract, employer letter, detailed duties, pay and location, résumé, education, licence or certification, and proof of relevant past work such as references and pay records.
- 04
For LMIA work, include the positive LMIA/file number and documents matching its terms. For most paid Québec jobs over 30 days, include the CAQ unless exempt.
- 05
For LMIA-exempt work, include the Employer Portal offer number and documents proving the exemption. For an open permit, prove the applicant’s exact open-permit category.
- 06
Explain discrepancies, prior refusals, status gaps and unusual employer/family relationships. Upload clear certified translations and translator affidavits where required.
Application, biometrics, decision and arrival are separate steps.
- 01
Apply online unless an authorized paper or accessibility exception applies; answer every question, pay the correct fees and retain the submission confirmation.
- 02
Complete biometrics and medical requests promptly and monitor the account for procedural-fairness or additional-document letters.
- 03
Outside approval gives a port-of-entry letter of introduction. Carry the passport, approval letter, job documents and admissibility evidence; CBSA makes the final entry decision and prints the permit.
- 04
Read the printed permit before leaving the counter. Check employer, occupation, location, validity and medical restrictions and ask immediately if a clerical error appears.
- 05
In-Canada applicants may begin under the new conditions when the online approval note authorizes it; they do not need to wait for the mailed paper permit unless IRCC says otherwise.
Pay the fee that matches the application.
Fees can change. A temporary resident visa, medical exam, police certificate, translation or Québec process may add separate costs.
| Item | Current federal fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit or extension | CAN$155 per person | Pay for each worker application |
| Open work-permit holder fee | CAN$100 in addition to the permit fee | Applies when requesting an open permit |
| Restore worker status and obtain a new work permit | CAN$401.25 | Includes the current restoration fee and work-permit fee; an open-permit fee may also apply |
| Biometrics | CAN$85 individual / up to CAN$170 eligible family | Only when biometrics are required |
| Employer compliance | CAN$230 | Normally paid by the employer for an LMIA-exempt employer-specific offer; the worker must not be charged this fee |
Official sources & application
The practical answer is in this guide; use these links to verify live changes and apply officially.
Ghasedak explains the eligibility, evidence, process and important cautions in plain language. Because laws, forms, fees and filing methods can change, also check the live official instructions on the day you submit. This is general information, not individual legal advice.