Employer-specific, open, LMIA and LMIA-exempt work-permit planning
Canada Work Permits
Work permit planning for foreign workers and employers, with clear separation between job offers, LMIA requirements, LMIA-exempt offers and open-work-permit eligibility.
Who this is for
How the process works
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1
Identify whether the case is employer-specific, open, LMIA-supported or LMIA-exempt.
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2
Review employer documents, wage, duties, work location and compliance steps.
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3
Prepare applicant evidence for qualifications, work history, ties, family and admissibility.
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4
Explain what can and cannot be done if a role, employer or start date changes.
Documents we usually review
- Passport, residence status, travel history and prior refusal records.
- Job offer, employment agreement, duties, wage and work location.
- LMIA number or LMIA-exempt offer of employment number where required.
- Education, licenses, experience proof, family documents and medical/police records where relevant.
Limits and risk points
- A job offer alone is not always enough for a work permit.
- Most people applying from outside Canada cannot get an open work permit unless they fit a specific category.
- No adviser can guarantee a job, work permit approval or decision date.
Official sources
These are the primary sources checked for this service page. Program rules can change, so the responsible authority should always be checked before filing.
Related reading
Questions clients ask
Do all Canada work permits need an LMIA?
No. Some employer-specific work permits are LMIA-exempt, and some people qualify for open work permits. The right route depends on the worker, employer and exemption basis.
Can you arrange a Canadian job offer?
No job or approval is guaranteed. A legitimate work permit strategy starts with a real employer-side basis and accurate applicant evidence.
Can I change employers on a work permit?
Open work permit holders can generally change employers, but employer-specific work permit holders usually need a new permit or authorization before changing jobs.
Start with a source-based assessment
Tell us your current status, location, family facts and goal. We will help you separate realistic options from assumptions before an application is prepared.
Contact IN Immigration