Canada Work Permit & Employer Sponsorship Guide

Step 1 of 5

Step 1 — Start Here

Are you an employer or a worker?

The Canadian work permit process looks very different depending on which side you're on. Both paths are covered here.

🏢

I'm an employer — I want to hire a foreign worker

Get guidance on the LMIA process, LMIA-exempt options, and employer compliance obligations

👤

I'm a worker — I need a Canadian work permit

Find out which work permit type suits your situation and what your employer needs to do

Step 2 — Your Job Offer

What is your job offer situation?

Most Canadian work permits are tied to a specific employer and job offer. The type of offer determines which permit pathway applies.

I have a job offer supported by a positive LMIA

Your Canadian employer has already received a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approving the hire

I'm transferring within my company to a Canadian office

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) — LMIA-exempt; for executives, managers, and workers with specialised knowledge

I'm a US or Mexican citizen with a qualifying profession

CUSMA/USMCA work permit — 60+ eligible professions, processed at port of entry or via online application

I'm an EU or UK citizen eligible under CETA

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement — includes ICT, contractual service supplier, and investor categories

My work provides a significant benefit to Canada

Artists, athletes, researchers, religious workers, and others whose work uniquely benefits Canadians — LMIA-exempt

I don't have a job offer yet — I'm looking for Canadian work

We'll point you toward options like International Experience Canada (IEC) or Express Entry

Step 3 — Your Occupation

What is the skill level of your occupation?

Canada uses the NOC (National Occupational Classification) system with TEER levels 0–5. Your TEER level affects processing streams and eligibility for high-wage vs low-wage LMIA streams.

TEER 0 or 1 — Managers, professionals, and some supervisors

e.g. Software engineers, nurses, accountants, lawyers, architects

TEER 2 or 3 — Technicians, skilled trades, supervisors

e.g. Electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators, chefs

TEER 4 or 5 — Intermediate, clerical, or low-skill roles

e.g. Retail workers, food service, agricultural labourers — low-wage LMIA stream applies

Not sure — I need to check the NOC database

Step 4 — Work Experience

How much skilled work experience do you have in your field?

Work experience requirements vary by permit type. Intra-company transfers require at least 1 year within the past 3 years. Express Entry (for PR) typically requires 1+ year.

Less than 1 year

May limit ICT and some LMIA-exempt options — LMIA stream may still apply

1–3 years

Meets most LMIA and LMIA-exempt requirements; 1 year qualifies for ICT

3+ years

Strong profile — qualifies for all work permit types and Express Entry PR pathways

Step 5 — Province

Which province will you be working in?

Most work permit rules are federal — but Quebec has an additional provincial process. If your employer is in Quebec, both a federal work permit and a provincial CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec) are typically required.

🌲 British Columbia

🛢️ Alberta

🍁 Ontario

⚜️ Quebec

Additional CAQ required — separate provincial process

Another province or territory

SK, MB, NB, NS, PEI, NL, YT, NT, NU — federal rules apply

Not yet decided / not sure

Step 2 — Your Business

Which describes your business situation?

Your situation determines whether an LMIA is required and what your obligations are as a Canadian employer.

🏢

We're an established Canadian employer — we need to hire for a specific role

Standard LMIA pathway: advertise, apply for LMIA, then sponsor the work permit

🌐

We're a multinational — we want to transfer an employee to our Canadian office

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) — LMIA-exempt. Must have qualifying relationship between entities

🚀

We're establishing a new Canadian operation

LMIA may still apply; ICT may be available if parent company exists abroad

⚜️

We're based in Quebec

Federal LMIA + provincial CAQ required for most workers — two-step process

Get your full work permit guide

Detailed requirements, employer obligations, processing times, and your personalised next-step action plan — free.

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Ready to start your Canadian work permit journey?

Our RCIC-registered consultants specialise in Canadian work permits and employer sponsorship — from LMIA applications to LMIA-exempt streams and PR pathways.

Book a free consultation →

Ready to hire your foreign worker?

Our RCIC consultants manage the entire employer work permit process — LMIA applications, LMIA-exempt assessments, CAQ coordination for Quebec, and work permit lodgement.

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Important disclaimer ▼

IMPORTANT: This guide provides general information only. Results do not constitute immigration advice and do not guarantee any work permit or visa outcome. LMIA requirements, wage thresholds, exempt categories, and processing times change regularly. Quebec employers must also comply with provincial CAQ requirements. Consult an RCIC-registered immigration consultant for advice specific to your situation and occupation. Information is current as of March 2026. Full disclaimer →