Work Permit Pathway Checker

Answer a few questions to find out what type of Canadian work permit pathway may apply to you. This includes LMIA, LMIA-exempt, Intra-Company Transfer, and open work permits.

Do you have a valid Canadian job offer?

If yes, is the employer willing to support LMIA?

Are you working for a company outside Canada?

Does the company have a Canadian branch?

Is your spouse in Canada (PR, Citizen, or Worker)?

Your highest education level

Your English level (approx.)

This tool gives general guidance based on IRCC public information. For official decisions, IRCC officers review each application individually.

The Two Main Work Permit Categories

Canadian work permits fall into two broad categories: those requiring an LMIA, and those exempt from it. Understanding this distinction is the most important first step.

Category	Examples	LMIA Required?
LMIA-Based Permits	Standard employer-specific work permit; high-wage TFWP; low-wage TFWP	Yes — employer must apply first
LMIA-Exempt (IMP)	CUSMA/USMCA professionals, intra-company transfers (ICT), significant benefit, reciprocal employment	No — but employer files LMIA-exempt offer (LMIA-exempt code)
Open Work Permits	PGWP, spouse of worker/student, Bridging OWP, IEC	No — not tied to specific employer

💡 Employer-specific vs. open: An employer-specific permit restricts you to one employer and job. An open work permit lets you work for any eligible employer in Canada — often preferable but only available in specific situations.

Canadian Work Permit Pathways Explained

Canada has several work permit pathways and the right one for you depends on your situation — whether you have a job offer, where you are from, your current status in Canada, and your employer's willingness to support your application.

1. LMIA-Based Work Permit

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document an employer obtains from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to prove there is no qualified Canadian available to fill the role. If approved, the positive LMIA supports your work permit application. LMIA-based permits are tied to a specific employer and job.

2. LMIA-Exempt Work Permits (International Mobility Program)

Many workers can get a work permit without their employer needing an LMIA. Common LMIA-exempt categories include:

✔ Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) — employees of multinational companies transferred to a Canadian branch

✔ Free trade agreement workers (CUSMA/USMCA, CETA, CPTPP)

✔ Significant Benefit to Canada — artists, researchers, athletes, religious workers

✔ Reciprocal employment arrangements — bilateral agreements between countries

3. Open Work Permit

An open work permit is not tied to a specific employer — you can work for almost any employer in Canada. Open work permits are available to: spouses or common-law partners of certain workers or students, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders, refugee claimants, and participants in certain programs.

4. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

If you work for a multinational company and are being transferred to a related Canadian company (parent, subsidiary, or affiliate), you may qualify for an ICT work permit under the International Mobility Program. This is an LMIA-exempt pathway for executives, managers, and workers with specialized knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a work permit without a job offer?

In most cases, no — standard work permits require a job offer and either an LMIA or an LMIA-exemption code. However, open work permits (such as PGWP for graduates, or spousal open work permits) do not require a specific job offer.

How long does it take to get a Canadian work permit?

Processing times vary by type. LMIA-exempt work permits through the IMP can take 2–8 weeks. LMIA-based permits depend on how long the LMIA process takes on the employer's side (typically 1–6 months), followed by the work permit itself (2–8 weeks).

Can a work permit lead to PR?

Yes — working in Canada is one of the strongest paths to PR. Canadian work experience is highly valued in the Express Entry pool (CEC), and many provinces target workers in specific occupations through PNP streams. Read our Work Permit Options guide for a full breakdown.

What is an employer compliance fee?

For most LMIA-exempt work permits, employers must pay a CAD $230 employer compliance fee to IRCC and submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal before you can apply. This is different from the LMIA process. Check with your employer before applying.

Related Tools & Guides

Work Permit Options in Canada

Full guide to LMIA, LMIA-exempt, ICT, and open work permits — with examples and eligibility details.

Read Guide →

Processing Time Checker

See estimated IRCC processing times for work permits and other application types.

Check Times →

Express Entry Eligibility Check

If you have Canadian work experience, check if you qualify for PR through Express Entry.

Check Eligibility →