Work Permit
Whether you're an international student, recent graduate, or skilled worker, you may be eligible for a Work Permit (WP). Depending on your situation, you may qualify for an Open Work Permit or a Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit.
Who qualifies?
An individual qualifies for an open work permit if they are:
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Graduates of a designated learning institution eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
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Students who can no longer meet the costs of their studies (destitute student)
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Applicants for permanent residence (and their family members)
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Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students
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Spouses or common-law partners of applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
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Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, or their family members
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Individuals under unenforceable removal orders
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Temporary resident permit holders
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Young workers participating in special programs
In this case, no LMIA is required.
What is the difference between an open vs closed work permit?
An open work permit (International Mobility Program – IMP) is a document that allows you to work for any employer in Canada, without needing a specific job offer. This includes work for wages, commission, or other paid activities. A closed work permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program – TFWP) is a document that allows you to work only for a specific employer, job, and location in Canada, based on the terms listed on your permit. The processing times depend on whether the application is made inside (~196 days) or outside (~6-8 weeks) Canada.
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that proves there is a need for a foreign worker and no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Who needs it?
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Most applicants for an employer-specific (closed) work permit
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Required unless the job is exempt under the International Mobility Program
Note: LMIA-exempt roles are based on exemption codes and specific agreements or public policies. Our RCIC will determine the right stream based on your case.
Processing Time & Fees
The processing time varies depending on the stream of the employment needs.
Our Services for This Pathway
Services | End-to-End Representation | Self-Starter Package |
|---|---|---|
Open Work Permit | $3500 | $2100 |
Closed Work Permit | $3000 | $1800 |
LMIA | $3500 | $2100 |
What's Included | End-to-End Representation | Self-Starter Package |
|---|---|---|
Initial Consultation Credit | ✓ | ✓ |
Authorized Representation | ✓ | - |
Consultations (as required) | unlimited | 2 |
Personalized Document Checklist | ✓ | ✓ |
Preparation of Forms + Supporting Letters | ✓ | - |
Review of Forms + Supporting Letters | ✓ | ✓ |
Representative's Submission Letter | ✓ | - |
Full Post‑Submission Support | ✓ | - |
Email and Phone Support | ✓ | ✓ |
+$500 per additional criminal offence | ✓ | ✓ |
Disclaimer:
All service fees are subject to change based on the complexity of the client’s case. Additional charges may apply for third-party services such as document translation, biometrics collection, and medical examinations. Final pricing will be confirmed after an initial assessment.