Employer-Specific Work Permit Pathways

Employer-Specific Work Permit Pathways

An employer-specific work permit limits your employment to the employer, occupation, location, and period listed on your permit. Some pathways require a positive LMIA, while others qualify for an LMIA exemption.

Free Trade Agreements

Canadian trade agreements support temporary entry for eligible professionals, technicians, intra-company transferees, traders, and investors from participating countries. Major agreements include CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, and the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement. Business visitors usually do not need a work permit.

Francophone Mobility

French-speaking workers with a job offer outside Quebec might qualify without an LMIA. Applicants need French speaking and listening skills at NCLC 5 or higher. Most occupations qualify, with limited exclusions.

Innovation Stream

Eligible workers need a high-skilled job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 from an employer participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project. This pathway does not require an LMIA.

Global Skills Strategy

The Global Skills Strategy offers faster processing for certain complete applications submitted online from outside Canada. Both LMIA-required and LMIA-exempt positions qualify in specific circumstances. The strategy is a processing measure, not a separate work permit category.

Caregiver Work Permits

Temporary caregiver positions generally require a positive LMIA. Eligibility depends on your location, occupation, employer, and application type. The Home Care Worker Immigration pilots currently remain closed to new applications.

Agricultural Workers

Employers use the Agricultural Stream or Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program to hire eligible workers. The Agricultural Stream generally leads to an employer-specific permit. SAWP workers follow separate rules and work for approved SAWP employers.

Other LMIA-exempt pathways include certain intra-company transfers, IEC Young Professionals, C11 entrepreneurs, and C50 charitable or religious workers.

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