Permit Type
Employer-SpecificTied to one employer
Processing Time
2 – 8 MonthsLMIA-based applications
Gov't Fee
CAD $155+ LMIA costs (employer)
Restriction
Employer-TiedCannot change employers freely
Work in Canada with a Specific Employer
A Closed Work Permit is the most common route for employer-sponsored foreign workers in Canada. It requires the employer to demonstrate that no qualified Canadian worker was available for the position — typically via a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). We manage both the employer-side LMIA and the employee-side work permit application, ensuring compliance at every step.
Eligibility & Key Information
Requirements and what you need to know before applying
Eligibility Requirements
Valid job offer from a Canadian employer (written offer letter required)
Employer must have received a positive LMIA (or qualify for LMIA exemption)
Occupation must align with the approved NOC code in the LMIA
You meet the educational and work experience requirements for the role
Pass health, character, and security admissibility checks
Valid passport and no prior immigration violations or misrepresentation
LMIA-Exempt Categories
CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) — US and Mexican nationals
Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) — multinational employees
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Significant benefit to Canada (unique work)
Reciprocal employment arrangements
Provincial nominee or federal program holders
What You're Getting
End-to-end support from assessment to approval
LMIA Requirement Assessment
We determine if an LMIA is required or if an LMIA-exempt basis applies (CUSMA, ICT, IEC, or international agreements).
Employer Advertising Strategy
We guide the employer through the mandatory advertising requirements — job boards, duration, and evidence of recruitment efforts.
LMIA Application Preparation
We prepare the complete LMIA package for submission to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Work Permit Application
We prepare the employee's work permit application, including all required supporting documents and cover letter.
NOC Code Matching
We verify the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for the position and ensure the job description aligns.
IRCC & ESDC Representation
We liaise with both ESDC (LMIA) and IRCC (work permit) on behalf of employer and employee throughout the process.
How We Work With You
A clear step-by-step process from start to approval
01
LMIA vs Exempt Assessment
We determine the right pathway — LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt — and advise on the most efficient route for your situation.
02
Employer Compliance Guidance
We guide the employer through advertising, recruitment records, and wage requirements to build a strong LMIA application.
03
LMIA Application Filing
We prepare and submit the complete LMIA application to ESDC on behalf of the employer, managing all ESDC communications.
04
Work Permit Application
Once the LMIA is approved, we immediately prepare and file the employee's work permit application with IRCC.
05
Processing & Follow-Up
We track both applications and respond to any ESDC or IRCC requests within required timelines.
06
Permit Receipt & Compliance
Once approved, we brief both employer and employee on compliance obligations — reporting changes, permit conditions, and renewal planning.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees — what you see is what you pay
Professional Service Fee
USD
1,200
base fee / applicant
Closed Work Permit — Complete Handling
LMIA Application (Employer)
Separate quote provided
Previous Refusal on File
+ USD 400
Additional Applicants (per person)
Charged extra
Government fee of CAD $155 is separate and paid by the employee directly to IRCC. LMIA employer fee ($1,000 CAD per position) is paid to ESDC and is the employer's responsibility. Fees vary significantly by case complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this service
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from ESDC confirming that no qualified Canadian worker was available for the position. A positive LMIA is typically required before a work permit can be issued.
Standard LMIA processing takes 2–5 months. Expedited processing (e.g. Global Talent Stream) can be as fast as 2 weeks. We advise on the fastest eligible stream.
No — you are tied to the specific employer named on your permit. To change employers, you must apply for a new work permit (and potentially a new LMIA) for the new employer.
Possibly — CUSMA, ICT, IEC, and several other programs offer LMIA-exempt pathways. We assess your eligibility during consultation.
Yes — Canadian work experience on a valid work permit can be credited toward Express Entry (CEC stream) and various PNP streams. We map this out for you.