Certain skilled workers need a work permit

Based on your answers, you need a work permit to work in Canada.

Type of work permit

You may be eligible for an employer-specific work permit. Your employer may need a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)  before you submit your application, depending on the job you’ll be working in.

Steps to apply

1. Make sure you meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit.

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   Global skills strategy

   You may also qualify for 2-week processing of your application if your employer gets a positive LMIA through the Global Talent Stream of the TFW Program.

   Medical doctors and certain healthcare specialists

   You may be eligible for faster processing for an initial employer-specific work permit or extension if you

   • are working in one of the three eligible NOCs
     • NOC 31100 – Specialist in clinical laboratory medicine
     • NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
     • NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
   • have a support letter from a Canadian province or territory
     • The letter nominates you as a permanent residence applicant through the Provincial Nominee Program. 
   • meet the general eligibility requirements (opens in a new tab) to apply for a work permit, depending on where you apply from

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2. Your employer finds out if they need an LMIA to hire you.

3. Your employer provides you with the documents you need.

   If your job is LMIA-exempt

   If the job you’re being hired for is LMIA-exempt, you must submit

   • an employment contract
   • the offer of employment number
   • the LMIA exemption code
   • proof that your employer paid the employer compliance fee
   If they need an LMIA

   If the job you’re being hired for requires an LMIA, you must submit

   • an employment contract
   • a job offer letter
   • the LMIA decision letter showing that you have a positive LMIA 

4. Gather the rest of your documents.

   If you plan to work in Quebec, you must also apply to Quebec’s provincial government for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for your job.

5. Apply for your work permit.

   If your job is LMIA-required

   When you complete your work permit application, select “Labour Market Impact Assessment stream” as the type of work permit in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section.

   If your job is LMIA-exempt

   When you complete your work permit application form, select “Exemption from Labour Market Impact Assessment” as the type of work permit in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section.

   Apply for your work permit