A work permit is a legal document permitting a foreign national to engage in employment while inside of Canada. 

You must

• prove to the Visa Officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires,
• show that you have enough Proof of Funds
• obey the law and have no record of criminal activity 
• not be a danger to Canada’s security,
• be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed,
• give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assessing the impact of hiring a foreign national in Canada.

A positive LMIA indicates that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill a position, therefore enabling an employer to hire a foreign national.

A negative LMIA indicates that a position should be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

The processing time is largely dependant on the Visa Office where the application is submitted. 

Congratulations! 

A job offer is only the beginning. The job offer must meet certain requirements to be considered valid for certain work permit applications. In most cases, in order to be eligible for a work permit, an applicant’s job offer must be either be supported by a positive LMIA or be Exempt from LMIA.

Get in touch with our office to get started.

• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
• Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
• Written offer of employment (if applicable)
• CV/ résumé
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
• Proof that you meet the job requirements
• Valid copy of your passport
• Copy of education credential
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees
• Recent passport-sized photos

Absolutely! Family reunification is one of the pillars of Canada’s immigration system.

Your spouse or partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit and student visa’s for your children, 

The government fees for a closed work permit is $155 CAD per person or $255 per person for an open work permit.