Insights
Canada Work Permit for Employers: LMIA, Exempt Routes, Fees and Timing
Insights · By Chen ChunJie · Published 8 November 2026
Hiring a foreign national in Canada starts with two checks: whether the person is authorized to do the proposed work and whether the actual employer qualifies for the relevant route. Most foreign nationals need a work permit, but an eligible open permit holder does not need an employer-sponsored application. This guide helps employers choose the right next step before setting a start date.
Reviewed in November 2026 against ESDC employer requirements and IRCC work permit guidance. Eligibility, government fees and processing times must be checked for the specific case.
Employer-sponsored routes
| Route | How it works |
|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | The eligible employer meets the stream’s recruitment requirements and obtains a positive LMIA. The worker then applies for an employer-specific permit. The LMIA fee is generally CAD 1,000 per position; exemptions apply. |
| International Mobility Program | LMIA-exempt categories include eligible CUSMA professionals and intra-company transferees. For most employer-specific applications, the employer submits an offer through the Employer Portal and pays the CAD 230 compliance fee, unless exempt. |
| Global Talent Stream | A stream within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for qualifying employers and roles. Faster processing targets are conditional and do not guarantee a permit or start date. |
Open permits and other eligibility checks
Open permits: eligible holders can usually work for different employers without an LMIA, Employer Portal offer or employer compliance fee. Check the permit’s restrictions and expiry; a spouse’s eligibility is not automatic.
Low-wage LMIAs: the usual cap is 10% at a work location, with sector and other exceptions. Certain applications in census metropolitan areas with unemployment of 6% or higher are not processed. Check current refusal rules, including Quebec and temporary rural measures.
Quebec: an LMIA-based hire generally also requires provincial approval and a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, subject to exemptions. Job offers no longer earn Express Entry CRS points; work authorization and permanent residence remain separate assessments.
No Canadian company? An EOR contract alone does not establish immigration eligibility. ESDC excludes agencies that recruit foreign workers for other businesses from acting as the employer under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. NNRoad assesses the actual work arrangement and the worker’s authorization before proposing Expat Employment in Canada.
Timing
Plan for route assessment, any required recruitment and LMIA or Quebec approvals, the work permit application, and onboarding. Processing varies with the route, location, documents and government workload. Use the current LMIA processing figures as a planning reference, not a guaranteed start date. Confirm authorization for the proposed work before it begins.
Once the person starts
Follow the approved job and employment conditions, meet wage and workplace requirements, and retain records for inspection. Verify the worker’s SIN and payroll status; CPP or QPP, EI, Quebec parental insurance and income tax treatment depend on the applicable rules. See our Canada payroll deductions guide. Track permit expiry and review proposed role, employer or location changes before implementing them.
Changes and penalties
An employer-specific permit limits work to its conditions. A change of employer or job generally requires a new permit; eligible applicants may request interim authorization and must receive it before starting the new work. A timely extension application can allow continued work under the existing conditions while the worker remains in Canada. It does not automatically authorize a new employer. Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, hiring bans and public listing.
FAQ: Canada work permit
Who applies for an LMIA?
The actual employer applies to ESDC/Service Canada, directly or through an authorized representative. It must meet business legitimacy, recruitment, wage and other stream requirements. A staffing agency recruiting for another business cannot simply substitute as the TFW Program employer.
How much does an LMIA cost?
The LMIA processing fee is generally CAD 1,000 per position, with specific exemptions. It cannot be charged to or recovered from the foreign worker. Work permit, biometrics and any Quebec fees are separate. Verify the government fee schedule before applying.
Can a foreign company get an LMIA without a Canadian entity?
Canadian incorporation alone does not determine eligibility. The applicant must establish a genuine business and employment relationship and meet the relevant program requirements. Using a nominal employer to place the worker under another company’s management does not solve this. We assess the proposed arrangement through Expat Employment in Canada before recommending a route.
Can the person start work before the permit is issued?
Only if the person already has valid authorization for that work, qualifies for a work-permit exemption, or has another applicable authorization. Maintained status can permit continued work under existing conditions after a timely extension application while the worker remains in Canada. Starting with a new employer may require separate IRCC authorization; a pending application alone is insufficient.
Need a foreign specialist working in Canada?
Share the role, work location, intended employer and the candidate’s current immigration status. NNRoad assesses eligibility and coordinates the appropriate employment and work authorization steps. Where a genuine managed service is lawful and suitable, our Local Team must fully manage the employee and delivery; it is not an automatic immigration route. We help control risk within the agreed scope, provided you supply accurate information and follow our advisers’ recommendations.
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