Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Mississauga, Ontario
Call Now Request a Call Back
Home » Immigration Services » Employer-Specific Work Permit
Work in Canada

Employer-Specific Work Permit Canada

An employer-specific work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada under the conditions stated on the permit. Before the worker applies, the employer may need a positive LMIA or may need to complete an LMIA-exempt employer process. Argus can help identify the correct immigration route and prepare the worker's application.

Request a free consultation
Page guide

On this page

Overview

What is an employer-specific work permit?

An employer-specific work permit allows the holder to work under the conditions listed on the permit, which may identify the employer, occupation and work location. It is sometimes informally called a closed work permit.

Canada has two broad work-permit types: employer-specific permits and open work permits. The correct category depends on the worker's situation and the legal basis for the employment.

Eligibility

What do you need before applying?

A worker generally needs a genuine job offer from an eligible employer and must meet the general work-permit requirements. Before the worker applies, the employer normally needs to determine whether the job requires an LMIA or qualifies for an LMIA exemption.

If an LMIA is required, the employer completes the Temporary Foreign Worker Program process first. If an LMIA exemption applies, the employer may need to use the Employer Portal and provide an offer-of-employment number before the worker applies.

Key requirements

LMIA-required and LMIA-exempt work permits

LMIA-required route

Most employer-specific work permits require the employer to obtain a positive LMIA unless an exemption applies. The worker then includes the required LMIA information and job-offer documents in the work permit application.

LMIA-exempt route

Some work permits are issued under the International Mobility Program. Examples can include certain free-trade-agreement categories, Francophone Mobility, intra-company transfers and specific International Experience Canada categories, depending on the facts.

Worker requirements

The worker must still satisfy IRCC that they meet the requirements for the job and are admissible to Canada.

Application process

How an employer-specific work permit process works

  1. Confirm the job offer and occupation.
  2. Determine whether an LMIA is required.
  3. Complete the employer-side process. This may be an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt Employer Portal submission.
  4. Prepare the worker's application.
  5. Submit biometrics, medical or police information if required.
  6. Wait for the work permit decision.
  7. Review the permit conditions after issuance. The worker must comply with the employer, occupation, location and other conditions shown on the permit.
Documents

Documents commonly needed for the work permit application

  • passport and identity documents;
  • job offer or employment contract;
  • positive LMIA documentation where required;
  • offer-of-employment number and exemption evidence for applicable LMIA-exempt cases;
  • education, licence or work-experience evidence showing qualification for the job;
  • family documents for accompanying family members;
  • medical examination results if required for the occupation or circumstances; and
  • documents supporting temporary-resident requirements.
Fees and processing

Fees and processing times

IRCC work permit fees and processing times vary by application type and location. Employer-side fees and obligations differ depending on whether the case is LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt.

Published processing times are estimates. An employer should not assume that a worker can begin working merely because an application has been submitted.

Common issues

Common employer-specific work permit problems

  • using the wrong LMIA or LMIA-exemption category;
  • job duties that do not match the claimed occupation;
  • inconsistent employer-side and worker-side documents;
  • an LMIA expiring before the worker submits the work permit application;
  • insufficient evidence that the worker is qualified for the position;
  • employer compliance issues; and
  • working for a different employer before proper authorization is obtained.
Professional support

How Argus can help with an employer-specific work permit

Argus can review the job and proposed immigration route, identify whether an LMIA or LMIA exemption appears applicable, coordinate required immigration documents and prepare or review the worker's work permit application within the agreed scope of service.

FAQs

Employer-specific work permit FAQs

Do all employer-specific work permits need an LMIA?

No. Many do, but Canada also has LMIA-exempt categories under the International Mobility Program.

Can I change employers on an employer-specific work permit?

You normally need new authorization before working for a different employer if your current permit is employer-specific.

Can I start work as soon as the application is submitted?

Not necessarily. Whether you can work depends on your current immigration status and the specific rules that apply to your situation.

Does a job offer guarantee a work permit?

No. The employer-side process and the worker's admissibility and work-permit eligibility must still be satisfied.

What if the job is LMIA-exempt?

The employer may still have compliance steps, including an Employer Portal submission and employer compliance fee, unless a specific exception applies.

Related services

Related Canadian immigration services

Official information

Current government sources

Immigration rules can change. These pages were reviewed against current official sources on September 23, 2026:

Client experience

What clients say about working with Argus.

5 Star 246 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →
Ruwanya Perera
Ruwanya Perera
1 month ago
★★★★★
“Argus Immigration is the best place to get advice regarding immigration and the best people to trust with your immigration applications. Khusubu and Ankita are literally the best immigration consultants. I needed urgent help with 3 different things in three different times and it was so hard to find someone knowledgeable urgently. Argus Immigration was the only place helped me and listened to me, explained about everything. They never asked me for money for their time and their fees are also very reasonable. I would recommend this place to anyone and I trust them with all my applications.”
View on Google
Abhimanyu Uppal
Abhimanyu Uppal
2 months ago
★★★★★
“I’m truly grateful to the team at Argus Immigration for guiding us through such an important milestone in our lives. Applying for Canadian PR can feel overwhelming because of the amount of documentation and information involved, but having a knowledgeable and organized team handling the process gave us a lot of confidence. I especially appreciated how proactive they were. Instead of leaving things for the last moment, they planned the process properly and made sure our application was submitted on time. Their thorough approach also helped ensure that our file was prepared carefully and supported with the relevant documents. Today, after receiving our eCOPR, I can honestly say that choosing Argus Immigration was the right decision for us. Thank you to the entire team for your support, patience, and professionalism throughout our journey. Highly recommended to anyone looking for trustworthy immigration guidance! 🇨🇦🍁 Thank you Khusubu and team for everything.”
View on Google
Aashish Kaliraman
Aashish Kaliraman
2 months ago
★★★★★
“I am really grateful for the support I received from Argus Immigration and Khusubu during my Francophone Mobility Work Permit process. They guided me through the entire process, explained every step clearly, and helped me prepare the required documents properly. Because of their knowledge and support, I was able to successfully get my work permit extension for 3 years. The process was much smoother and less stressful with their guidance. They were always helpful, patient, and available whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their hard work and dedication.”
View on Google
Abdullah Shariff
Abdullah Shariff
5 months ago
★★★★★
“I had a great experience with Argus Immigration Consultancy. I was in a difficult situation with a last-minute filing, and while several others refused to take my file, they stepped in and genuinely helped me through the process. Their professionalism, quick response, and dedication gave me a lot of confidence during a very stressful time. A special thank you to Khusboo and the team for being supportive, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile when I really needed help. I truly appreciate everything they did for me and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable immigration support.”
View on Google
Jenica Dsouza
Jenica Dsouza
7 months ago
★★★★★
“We applied for our LMIA‑exempt work permit through the non–Express Entry stream, and Argus Immigration made the entire journey incredibly smooth. A very special thank you to Khusbhu, whose kindness, clarity, and constant guidance made all the difference. She explained every step with so much care and made us feel confident throughout the process. Truly grateful for their professionalism and compassion. Highly recommended!”
View on Google
vidushi arya
vidushi arya
8 months ago
★★★★★
“I’m extremely grateful to Argus Immigration for their support throughout my Canadian work permit application. The process involved a long wait, but they were patient, professional, and reassuring every step of the way. I received my work permit today, and I truly appreciate their guidance, attention to detail, and constant follow-ups. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy immigration assistance.”
View on Google
Gajraj Saini
Gajraj Saini
10 months ago
★★★★★
“I had a great experience working with Khusbu on our daughter’s sponsorship application. Her guidance was clear, professional, and helped us navigate the process with confidence. I truly appreciate her knowledge and support throughout the journey. The only area for improvement would be timely acknowledgement at certain stages. Overall, I am very satisfied and would happily recommend her services. Thank you so much Khusbu and all the best!”
View on Google
Preeti Rajliwal
Preeti Rajliwal
1 month ago
★★★★★
“A big thank you to khusubu and her amazing team for helping us get our work permit approval. Khusubu has excellent immigration knowledge and guided us with professionalism and care throughout the process.we truly appreciate all their support and highly recommend khusubu and her team🙏🏻 …”
View on Google
vineet chauhan
vineet chauhan
1 month ago
★★★★★
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Khusubu and the entire Argus Immigration team for helping me successfully obtain approval for my 3-year C51 LMIA-exempt work permit extension. My case became very challenging after my initial application was refused and I found myself in the 90-day restoration period. At that point, it felt like my future in Canada was uncertain. Khusubu worked diligently on my case, guided me through every step of the process, carefully reviewed the documentation, and provided clear and timely advice whenever I needed it. What impressed me most was not only her professional knowledge but also her compassion and understanding. She and the Argus team were considerate of the emotional and financial stress my family was experiencing and supported us throughout the journey with patience and care. Today, receiving the approval feels like a sinking boat finally reaching the shore safely. When things seemed uncertain, Khusubu and the Argus team never gave up and continued working hard to help achieve a positive outcome. Thank you, Khusubu, and thank you to everyone at Argus Immigration for your dedication, professionalism, and genuine support. I highly recommend Argus Immigration to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate immigration assistance. Your efforts have made a meaningful difference in my family’s life, and we will always be grateful.”
View on Google
vijeta bachwani
vijeta bachwani
This month
★★★★★
“I got my PR and BOWP done from Khushbu and it was really smooth. She helped me at every step of the way and made it easier with documentation. She made sure to double-check everything before submitting the documentation. Really a great experience.”
View on Google
Your next step

Discuss your immigration case with Argus

Every application depends on the individual facts. A consultation can help identify the program requirements, documents and issues that are most relevant to your situation.

Request a Call Back Call Now