Employer-specific work permit

Employer-specific work permit · Canada

An employer-specific work permit is tied to an employer. A job offer is the starting point. Before applying, confirm whether the employer needs a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or whether an exemption applies.

For an employer-specific permit, confirm the LMIA or exemption route. Open permits have separate eligibility and do not require an offer.

What to check before applying

Use IRCC’s official questionnaire to identify the permit type and applicable instructions. A job offer alone is not authorization to work. Open work permits are a separate category available only in specific situations.

Documents to organise

Prepare these documents and confirm your personalized checklist with the official source. Conditional items apply only when required for your case.

• Valid passport or travel document
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Identity document used for international travel.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Apply or renew with your country of nationality’s issuing authority or consulate. Check the required validity and pages to submit.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Contract or job offer accepted for the category
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Document describing the job offer and its terms.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Ask the employer for the offer or contract required for the category. Check role, pay, duration, company details and required signatures.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Employer authorisation, sponsorship or petition where the route requires it
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Approval, sponsorship or petition that may precede a work application.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Confirm the required process and applicant with the employer. Obtain the reference and official decision or evidence; an ordinary company letter may not replace authorization.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗

Depending on your case and the official checklist

• Evidence of experience and professional licensing
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Evidence of work performed and any required professional authorization.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Request employer references and professional-body documents where applicable. Compare with the official checklist: duties, dates, hours and pay may be needed.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Medical examination or certificate/TB where applicable
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Health assessment or certificate required for certain applications.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Check whether and when an exam is needed. Book with an accepted practitioner or clinic; some routes require panel physicians. Retain the evidence specified in the instructions.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Police certificates for the requested countries and periods
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Criminal-record certificate from the competent authority of each requested country.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Use the official country instructions to find the issuing authority. Confirm required countries and residence periods, validity, translation and any legalization.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Certified translations and legalisation/apostille where requested
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Translations and authentication required for documents issued in another language or country.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Check the accepted translator type before hiring. If an apostille or legalization is required, consult the issuing country’s competent authority. Translation and apostille are different procedures.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Evidence of lawful residence in the application jurisdiction
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Evidence of lawful status in the country where you apply.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Obtain the document from that country’s immigration authority. Check whether your status permits applying at that consulate and meets the required validity.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗

How to proceed

1. 1

   Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.

2. 2

   Ask the employer to complete the prior authorisation or sponsorship required by this route.

3. 3

   Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.

4. 4

   After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.

Fees, processing and validity

Check the authority’s current fee schedule before paying. Separate the application fee from translation, examination, insurance and optional service costs. Processing may depend on location, category and requests for further evidence. Validity is stated in the decision or issued document.

Official sources

IRCC · Government of Canada

Check fees, minimum income, document validity and timing with the route source. Confirm translations and legalisation with the responsible consulate. Visa, entry, residence and permission to work are different steps; approval is not guaranteed.

Information for lawful migration. PassyGo does not issue visas or replace individual advice from a qualified professional.