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Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, an employer usually needs a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment showing no Canadian was available before hiring you. The resulting work permit ties you to that specific employer, job, and location. It is the standard route when a job is not exempt from a labour market test.
Foreign workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a labour market assessment.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
Not automatically. To work for a new employer you generally need a new work permit, which usually requires the new employer to obtain a positive LMIA.
An employer-specific permit ties you to one named employer, job, and location, while an open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada.
An Employer-Specific (LMIA-Based) Work Permit is a type of work permit that allows foreign workers to work in Canada for a specific employer, job, and location.
To apply for an Employer-Specific (LMIA-Based) Work Permit, you'll need to meet certain requirements.
Sometimes. As of January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits are limited mainly to spouses of foreign workers employed in higher-skilled (TEER 0 or 1) occupations.
It is not automatic, but Canadian skilled work experience gained on an employer-specific permit can support permanent residence applications through programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.
If you apply to extend the same employer-specific permit before it expires, you can generally continue working under maintained status until a decision is made.
Minor children of a foreign worker can generally attend school in Canada, and minor children studying at the pre-school, primary, or secondary level often do not need their own study permit.
