How to get faster processing

1. Give the temporary foreign worker the documents and information they need to apply

   You must give the temporary foreign worker the documents and information they need to submit their work permit application.

   If you need a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)

   You’ll need to give the worker

   • an employment contract
   • a job offer letter
   • the LMIA decision letter showing that you have a positive LMIA through the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

   Find out how to apply for an LMIA.

   If you don’t need an LMIA

   You’ll need to give the worker

   • an offer of employment number
   • the LMIA exemption code
   • proof that you paid the employer compliance fee

   Find out how to submit an offer of employment.

2. The worker applies for a work permit

   The worker must

   • apply for a work permit online from outside Canada
   • pay the processing fees
   • submit the results of their biometric exam within 2 weeks of submitting the application (if needed)
   • get a medical exam
   • make sure the application is complete (including all the documents listed in their visa office instructions)

   Incomplete applications are not eligible for the GSS and take longer to process.

   If the worker is not eligible for the GSS, you can check our processing times for non-GSS work permits.

   The worker doesn’t need to apply separately for a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). We issue the documents they need when we process their work permit application.

   Learn about the work permit application process and the required documents.

   Family members of the worker

   The worker’s family members (spouse or common-law partner and dependent children) only qualify for 2-week processing if they

   • apply at the same time as the worker
   • submit a complete application