Canadian work visas are issued through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) by the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The TFWP assists Canadian employers who would like to employ foreign nationals. This program was created in response to the major labour shortages in Canada. Work permits are issued to applicants who have been offered full time employment that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) certificate or those who have an offer of employment that is LMIA exempt. Your Spouse/Partner and children can join you in Canada during the time you are working there. Your Spouse/Partner will be able to accompany you on an Open Work Permit and your dependent children will be able accompany you on either a Study Permit or a Visit Visa (This is age dependent).
What is a formal offer of employment?
This is a document from your Canadian employer, this offer letter must include:
- Salary and any deduction from your salary
- Daily duties
- Conditions of employment
- Conditions of termination
- Hours worked per week/bi-weekly
Applying for an LMIA certificate or LMIA exemption code
Apply for either an LMIA or LMIA emption code must be completed by the employer. This is done through Service Canada. As a registered agency we can provide any employer guidance on this process. In order for an employer to apply for an LMIA certificate they must be able to show there is no Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident who can fill the position therefore the employer must employ a foreign national. The employer will need to obtain the LMIA certificate or LMIA exemption code before we are able to apply for your Work Permit.
Government fees
These fees are mandatory upon the final submission of your Work Permit application. All fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD$)
Submission and processing fee | CAD$155 |
Open Work Permit fee | CAD$100 |
Visit Visa fee for dependent children | CAD$100 |
Study Permit fee for dependent children | CAD$150 |
Biometrics fee (Persons over 14 years) | CAD$85 |