Employer-Specific Work Permit
Work for a specific Canadian employer — with or without an LMIA. Covers all LMIA-required streams and every LMIA-exempt category under the International Mobility Program.
What is an Employer-Specific Work Permit?
An employer-specific work permit allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific employer, in a specific occupation, and at a specific location — all as stated on the work permit. To get one, you need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who is not on the non-compliant employers list. In most cases, your employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Some positions are exempt from the LMIA requirement through the International Mobility Program (IMP).
What Your Work Permit Lists
When an LMIA is Required
Most employer-specific work permits require a positive LMIA. The LMIA is obtained by the employer — not the worker — through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). A positive LMIA confirms that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
LMIA Application Steps
LMIA Streams
High-Wage Stream
For positions paid at or above the provincial or territorial median wage. No cap on the number of temporary foreign workers for most employers.
Low-Wage Stream
For positions paid below the provincial or territorial median wage. Caps on the proportion of low-wage TFWs and additional requirements apply.
Global Talent Stream
For highly skilled workers in specific in-demand occupations. Two-week processing target. Available with or without an LMIA depending on the occupation.
Agricultural Stream
For primary agriculture positions including crop farming, livestock, and greenhouse work. Separate process through ESDC.
Caregiver Stream
For home child care providers and home support workers. Specific eligibility criteria, conditions, and pathway to permanent residence.
LMIA-Exempt Categories — International Mobility Program
Many workers qualify for an employer-specific work permit without an LMIA through the International Mobility Program (IMP). All exemption categories are listed below, grouped by their regulatory basis under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
LMIA exemption codes and categories are established by IRCC under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and are subject to change without notice. Codes reflect IRCC's published guidelines as of March 19, 2026. Always confirm the correct exemption code with our RCIC before applying.
Complete LMIA Exemption Code Reference Table
All 110 LMIA exemption codes sourced from the IRCC Operational Bulletins and Manuals. Last updated March 19, 2026.
Click to view all 110 exemption codes in a complete reference table
Sourced from IRCC Operational Bulletins — March 19, 2026
Extending Your Work Permit
If your work permit is expiring and you want to continue working in Canada, you must apply to extend before it expires. Applying before expiry allows you to continue working on maintained status while your extension is processed.
Changing Employers
If you want to change employers while on an employer-specific work permit, you generally cannot start working for the new employer until your new work permit is approved.
Working for an unauthorized employer — even temporarily — can result in inadmissibility findings and jeopardize your immigration status. Always consult our RCIC before making any employer changes.
Government Processing Fees
Government fees are set by IRCC and ESDC and are subject to change without notice. LMIA application fees paid by employers to ESDC are separate and additional. Always verify current fees at canada.ca before applying.
IRCC Government Fees — Employer-Specific Work Permit
| Fee Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Work permit processing fee (worker) | $155 CAD |
| Employer offer of employment — IMP (employer pays) | $230 CAD |
| Biometrics (if required) | $85 CAD |
| Work permit extension | $155 CAD |
Important: Government fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. LMIA application fees paid by employers to ESDC are additional. Fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time.
How Asteco Can Help
Employer-specific work permits involve determining the right pathway, identifying the correct exemption code, and managing both employer and worker documentation. Our RCIC team handles all of it.
Disclaimer: Work permit requirements, LMIA-exempt categories, exemption codes, and processing times are established by IRCC and ESDC and are subject to change at any time without notice. LMIA exemption codes were updated December 15, 2022 with additional updates through March 19, 2026. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
Quick Info
Disclaimer: Exemption codes and requirements are subject to change by IRCC at any time without notice.