Work permits
Canadian Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA / Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
A work permit tied to one named employer, job and location, usually supported by a job offer and, under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Canada government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Employer-specific work permit
- Route type
- Temporary work permit tied to one employer
- Job offer needed
- Yes
- LMIA needed
- Usually, under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (some International Mobility Program jobs are LMIA-exempt)
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals with a specific job offer from a Canadian employer
- Workers hired through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA-based)
- Workers under LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program streams (e.g. certain trade-agreement or intra-company transfers)
Requirements
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- A positive/neutral LMIA where required, or a qualifying LMIA exemption
- For LMIA jobs, the employer submits the LMIA application to Service Canada first
- Meet the general admissibility requirements to enter Canada
What you can do
- Work only for the employer, role and location named on the permit
- Apply for a new work permit if you change employer or job
- Employers of employer-specific permit holders are bound by the employer compliance regime that protects foreign workers
How to apply
- Employer obtains an LMIA (if required) or confirms an LMIA exemption and submits the offer of employment
- Worker applies for the work permit online, referencing the LMIA number or offer of employment number
- An LMIA-based positive decision received on or after 1 May 2024 is valid for up to 6 months
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Canadian visas
- WORKTEMPORARYNOT A VISACanada Work PermitThe document that allows you to work in Canada. A work permit is a permit rather than an entry visa, so it may need to be paired with the right travel document.View visa details
- WORKGRADUATESOPEN PERMITPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)An open work permit for eligible international graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions, letting them work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada after finishing their studies.View visa details
- WORKANY EMPLOYERNO JOB OFFEROpen Work PermitA work permit that lets the holder work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment.View visa details