Employer-Specific Work Permit

 

An employer-specific work permit has specific conditions on the work permit including the name of the employer, the period of work and the location of work. The foreign worker can only work with the employer specified on the work permit.

 

 

1. LMIA based work permit

 

In order for employers to hire a foreign national, they need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) reviewed and approved by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Service Canada. A positive LMIA demonstrates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It also shows that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.

 

 

2. LMIA-exempt work permit

 

Some work permits are LMIA-exempt. Instead of LMIA, employer must submit job offer information through the Employer Portal. Some common LMIA-exempt work includes:  

 

• C50: Charitable or religious work

• T24: Intra-company transferee (FTA)

• C22: Academic exchanges (professors, visiting lecturers)

• C44: Post-doctoral Ph.D. fellows and award recipients

• C32: Co-op for post-secondary