Canada does not have a single work permit. It has several routes, each with a different applicant, a different employer role and a different evidence base.
LMIA-based permits
The employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the Canadian labour market. A positive LMIA supports the worker’s permit application. Processing involves both the employer and the worker.
LMIA-exempt permits
International agreements, intra-company transfers and significant benefit work fall under exemptions. The employer may still need to submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay the compliance fee.
Open permits
Open work permits are not tied to a single employer. They arise from study completion, spousal sponsorship in certain streams, bridging situations and other specific policies. The eligibility rules are narrow and change more often than the closed-permit framework.
Compliance follows the permit
Employers of LMIA-based and most LMIA-exempt workers have ongoing record-keeping and inspection obligations. A permit approval is not the end of the employer’s role.
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