Hakam Immigration Services · Vancouver, BC
Employer-Specific
Work Permit
You have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Now you need the right work permit strategy to make it official whether the role requires an LMIA or qualifies under an LMIA-exempt pathway.
Employer-Specific Work Permit Overview
A job offer is only
the beginning.
An employer-specific work permit also known as a closed work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada for one specific employer, in a specific occupation, and often at a specific location.
Unlike an open work permit, this type of permit restricts you to the employer and conditions listed on the permit. If you change employers, job duties, or work location, a new work permit may be required before making the change.
Most employer-specific permits require either a Labour Market Impact Assessment or an LMIA exemption under a recognized category such as a trade agreement, significant benefit, or other exemption code.
At Hakam Immigration Services, we help workers and employers coordinate the process from job offer to permit application, while keeping compliance and long-term immigration planning in mind.
LMIA Required vs LMIA Exempt
The first question is
which route applies.
Not all employer-specific work permits require an LMIA. Confirming whether the job is LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt is the critical first step.
LMIA-Required Permits
For many employer-specific work permits, the Canadian employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment from ESDC. This process is used to assess whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on Canada’s labour market.
The employer applies for the LMIA. If approved, the worker uses the LMIA to apply for the work permit.
Processing varies by stream and current volume. Planning ahead is essential.
LMIA-Exempt Permits
Some workers are exempt from the LMIA requirement. These exemptions may be based on international agreements, significant benefit to Canada, reciprocal employment, intra-company transfer, or another recognized category.
CUSMA professionals, intra-company transferees, significant benefit workers, and certain academic or research roles.
The employer may need to submit the offer through the Employer Portal using the correct exemption code.
What you need to qualify
Both the worker and employer
must be aligned.
Employer-specific work permits require evidence from both sides. Errors on the worker side or employer side can delay or weaken the application.
Worker Requirements
Valid Job Offer
A written job offer from a Canadian employer showing the job title, duties, wages, location, and employment conditions.
Qualifications for the Role
Education, training, and work experience that show you can perform the role described by the employer.
Passport and Admissibility
You must have a valid passport and no criminal, medical, or immigration issues that make you inadmissible to Canada.
LMIA or Exemption Support
The application must be supported by a positive LMIA or a valid LMIA-exempt offer submitted by the employer.
Employer Requirements
Employer Portal Submission
For LMIA-exempt offers, the employer may need to submit the job offer through the IRCC Employer Portal before the worker applies.
Positive LMIA if Required
If the role is not LMIA-exempt, the employer may need a positive LMIA before the worker can apply for the permit.
Wages and Working Conditions
The employer must offer wages and working conditions consistent with the role and applicable program requirements.
Compliance Obligations
Employers may be subject to compliance reviews and must maintain records showing that employment conditions were respected.
How the process works
From job offer
to work authorization.
Employer-specific work permit applications involve both the employer and the worker. The sequence must be handled carefully.
Employer Confirms the Job Offer
The employer provides the role, duties, salary, work location, and employment conditions.
Determine LMIA Requirement
We confirm whether the job requires an LMIA or may qualify for an LMIA exemption.
Employer Completes Required Step
The employer obtains the LMIA if required, or submits the LMIA-exempt offer through the Employer Portal where applicable.
Worker Applies for the Work Permit
The worker submits the application with job offer evidence, qualifications, passport, status documents, and supporting materials.
Biometrics or Medical Exam if Required
Depending on the applicant and type of work, biometrics or a medical exam may be required.
Permit Issued and Work Begins
If approved, the worker can begin working for the named employer under the conditions listed on the permit.
How we help
Employer-specific permits require
coordination on both sides.
Hakam Immigration Services helps workers and employers navigate the employer-specific work permit process from job offer to permit application and long-term immigration planning.
LMIA vs Exempt Assessment
We assess whether the job likely requires an LMIA or may fit an LMIA-exempt category.
Employer Portal Support
We guide employers through Employer Portal submissions and required offer details.
Worker Application Preparation
We prepare the worker’s application so it aligns with the job offer and employer-side documents.
NOC / TEER Review
We review duties and classification where it affects eligibility, wages, and future immigration planning.
Worker & Employer Coordination
We help keep both sides aligned so timing, documents, and expectations are clear.
PR Pathway Planning
We connect Canadian work experience to Express Entry, CEC, PNP, and other permanent residence pathways.
Common questions
Employer-Specific Permit
answered.
Can I change jobs while on an employer-specific work permit?
Does every employer-specific work permit need an LMIA?
Who applies for the LMIA?
Can this work permit help me get permanent residence?
What happens if my job ends before the permit expires?
Which consultation should I book?
You have the job offer.
Now let’s plan the permit.
Book a Work Permit Consultation with Hakam Immigration Services to confirm the LMIA route, employer requirements, worker documents, and long-term immigration strategy.
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