Work Permits
Work Permit with Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
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Regular LMIA applications
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The standard process for a foreign national to obtain a work permit visa is divided in two steps:
1. the employer applies to obtain an LMIA for a temporary foreign worker; and
2. the temporary work (employee) applies for the work permit visa.
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The first step in the LMIA application is to determine if the job offered in Canada is a high-wage or low-wage position. In order to determine this, you need to verify if the offered wage is higher or lower than the median average in your province.
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The second step in the LMIA application is the recruitment process. The employer must conduct and provide proof of recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before offering the jobs to a temporary foreign worker.
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Simplified LMIA applications
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Some jobs in the province of Québec can qualify for the "simplified LMIA" process, which removes the recruitment requirement of the LMIA application. The Quebec government determines regional occupation needs based of labour shortages
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Global Talent Stream
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The Global Talent Stream is a streamlined process for employers to hire skilled workers with specialized skills in high-demand occupations. A company hiring through the Global Talent Stream will benefit from faster application processing times and flexible recruiting requirements. The processing time for global talent stream occupations can be as fast as 2 weeks!
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After a positive LMIA is issued:
Once the LMIA application is approved, the worker will be able to apply for a closed work permit visa which can be valid for up to 2 years.
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LMIA exempt work permits
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You may be exempt from applying for an LMIA and can apply directly for a work permit if you are part of one of the following categories:
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International Experience Canada participants (Working holiday, young professionals, co-op students)
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Intra-company transferees
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CSQ holders in Quebec who already have a work permit
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Spouses and common-law partners of full-time students
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Spouses and common-law partners of workers who hold a job in NOC category 0, A or B
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Canadian interests (significant benefits)
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Entrepreneurs
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Francophone mobility (skilled work outside of Québec)
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International mobility program
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Bridging open work permits (applicants who already applied for permanent residence
How we can help
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Assess your eligibility for an LMIA. You may be exempt from an LMIA, which is the best solution as you would obtain a work permit. We will assess your eligibility to obtain a work permit and your chances at obtaining an LMIA .
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Coordinate with your employer or employee. Depending on if you are the employer or the employee, we can coordinate with both parties to ensure that the right information and documents are gathered for the LMIA application
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Meet the recruitment requirements. In order for the LMIA to be approved, the employer needs to advertise to a specific group of applicants (not just a simple advertisment). We can help the employer advertise to meet the recruitment requirements.
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Submit the application in a timely manner. You will find yourself to be overwhelmed by the number of documents and information required by an LMIA application. This will delay the submission of your application which already takes a long time to be processed. We will ensure your application is submitted as fast as possible.
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Monitor your application. Once your application is submitted, you may still be required to provided additional documents or an interview the immigration officer in some cases. Depending on your province of residence, you may also have additional provincial requirements to fulfill. We will follow-up on your application so you don't miss any important deadlines.