Work Permits in Canada: LMIA, Open Permits & Global Talent Stream

Updated January 30, 202613 min read

Canada offers various work permit options for foreign workers. Whether you have a job offer, are transferring within your company, or qualify for an open work permit, this guide covers all the pathways.

Types of Work Permits

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Tied to one employer, location, and occupation. Usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Open Work Permit

Allows you to work for any employer in Canada. Available in specific situations:

•Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders

•Spouses of skilled workers or international students

•Bridging open work permit (BOWP) for PR applicants

•International Experience Canada (IEC) participants

•Refugee claimants

•Permanent residence applicants under certain programs

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

An LMIA is a document that a Canadian employer may need before hiring a foreign worker.

The employer must prove:

•There is a need for the foreign worker

•No Canadian workers are available for the job

•They have made efforts to recruit Canadians (job advertisements for at least 4 weeks)

•They will pay the prevailing wage

LMIA Processing Times: 2–4 months for most categories

Employer Compliance Fee: $1,000 per position

LMIA Exemptions exist for certain situations:

•Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

•International agreements (CUSMA/NAFTA, CETA)

•Significant benefit to Canada

•Reciprocal employment

•Charitable or religious work

Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a fast-track LMIA process for highly skilled tech workers.

Two categories:

•Category A: Referred by a designated referral partner for unique, specialized talent

•Category B: For occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List (software engineers, data scientists, etc.)

Benefits:

•2-week LMIA processing time (vs. months for regular LMIA)

•Employer must create a Labour Market Benefits Plan

•Work permits processed in 2 weeks

Popular occupations: Software engineers, web developers, data analysts, information system analysts, computer engineers, digital media designers.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

IEC offers young people (18–35 from partner countries) the opportunity to work and travel in Canada.

Three categories:

1.Working Holiday — Open work permit, work for any employer

2.Young Professionals — Employer-specific permit for career-related work

3.International Co-op (Internship) — For students with an internship offer

Participating countries include: UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many more.

Duration: Up to 12–24 months depending on the country.

Find a Work Permit Specialist

Navigate LMIA, open permits, and work authorization

Find a Consultant Take Free AI Assessment

Need Help?

Work permit applications — especially those requiring an LMIA — are complex. A consultant can help both employers and workers navigate the process.

Find a Consultant

More Guides

Express Entry

Complete guide to Canada's Express Entry system. Learn about CRS scores, eligibility, draws, processing times, and how to improve your ranking in 2026.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Guide to all Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs. Learn about Ontario PNP, BC PNP, Alberta PNP, and more — eligibility, streams, and processing times.

Family Sponsorship in Canada

Complete guide to sponsoring your spouse, parents, grandparents, or children for Canadian permanent residence. Eligibility, costs, and processing times.

Studying in Canada

Complete guide to study permits in Canada. DLIs, post-graduation work permits, working while studying, and pathways from student to permanent resident.