Employer Specific Program

LMIA Based Work Permit

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A work permit is an official document authorizing an individual to work in Canada, typically issued by an officer to someone who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident of Canada. It is a mandatory requirement for employment within Canada, regardless of whether the employer is based in the country. Generally, work permits are specific to an employer, job type, and duration, often contingent on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) or an Offer of Employment from an LMIA-exempt employer.

When issuing a work permit, an officer may impose, vary, or cancel specific conditions, such as:

  • The type of employment allowed.
  • The specific employer the individual may work for.
  • Authorized work locations.
  • The duration of the work permit.
  • Time periods during which work is permitted.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial document that employers in Canada typically need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA demonstrates the necessity of hiring a foreign worker for a specific job and confirms that no Canadian worker is available for the position. This positive LMIA is often referred to as a Confirmation letter and is issued to the employer by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), granting permission to hire a foreign worker.