LMIA • LMIA-Exempt • Employer-Specific • Open Work Permits
NK International Consultants assists foreign workers and Canadian employers with work-permit strategy, employer-specific permits, LMIA-related matters, LMIA-exempt pathways and selected open-work-permit applications where the applicant qualifies.
Start Your Assessment Discuss Your Work Permit WhatsApp NKICThe appropriate Canadian work authorization depends on the worker, employer, occupation, proposed job, location and whether an LMIA, LMIA exemption or open-work-permit category applies.
These permits authorize employment under specified conditions, including the employer and potentially the occupation and work location. The employer may require an LMIA or qualify for an exemption.
Where an LMIA is required, the employer generally completes the applicable labour-market process before the foreign worker submits the corresponding work-permit application.
Some employer-specific permits are LMIA-exempt under international agreements, Canadian-interest provisions, Francophone Mobility or other qualifying International Mobility Program categories.
Open work permits are available only in specified circumstances. Where eligible, they may permit employment for most employers in Canada, subject to applicable restrictions.
Eligible citizens of participating countries may have youth mobility options through Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op categories.
Spouses, partners and children do not automatically receive the same status as the principal worker. Their visitor, study and work options must be assessed separately.
Canadian work authorization is available through a variety of programs and exemptions. The correct category should be identified before the employer and worker proceed.
Employer-specific work permits supported by an LMIA where the employer, position and foreign worker meet the applicable requirements.
LMIA-exempt work permits for qualifying workers under international agreements, Canadian-interest provisions and other recognized exemptions.
Certain French-speaking or bilingual foreign workers destined to work outside Quebec may qualify for an LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit where current program requirements are satisfied.
Eligible professionals, traders, investors, intra-company transferees and other workers may have options under applicable free-trade or international agreements.
Explore Canadian work permits, employer requirements, LMIA and LMIA-exempt pathways, application planning and potential routes toward permanent residence.
Download the 2026 Program GuideInternational Experience Canada is available to eligible citizens of countries and territories that have applicable youth mobility arrangements with Canada. Available categories, age limits, participation limits and quotas depend on citizenship.
The Working Holiday category provides an open work permit and is designed for eligible participants who want flexibility to work for different employers or in different locations while in Canada.
This category generally provides an employer-specific work permit for eligible participants with qualifying Canadian employment that contributes to their professional development.
Eligible post-secondary students outside Canada may use this category for qualifying Canadian internships or work placements required as part of their studies.
Unlike most employer-specific permits, an open work permit is not normally tied to one particular employer. However, applicants must qualify under a specific open-work-permit policy or program.
Eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programs may be able to obtain a PGWP if they meet the institution, program, language, field-of-study and other requirements applicable to their case.
Certain spouses or common-law partners of qualifying foreign workers or international students may be eligible. Current eligibility is restricted and should be assessed carefully.
Certain permanent-residence applicants and people in other specified immigration circumstances may qualify for an open work permit under the applicable rules.
Canada significantly restricted family open-work-permit eligibility in January 2025. The principal worker's occupation, immigration pathway, work authorization and remaining permit validity can affect whether a spouse or common-law partner qualifies.
Spouses or common-law partners of certain workers employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, and specified TEER 2 or 3 occupations, may qualify if all applicable conditions are satisfied.
Different family open-work-permit rules may apply where the principal foreign worker is on an eligible pathway to permanent residence.
Dependent children are generally no longer eligible for an open work permit under the family-of-foreign-workers measure introduced in January 2025, although other status options may apply.
Family members may require visitor status, study authorization or another form of work authorization depending on their circumstances.
Before hiring a foreign worker, the employer should determine which immigration process applies and complete the appropriate employer-side requirements.
Review the proposed occupation, duties, wages, location and foreign worker profile to determine the potential immigration pathway.
Determine whether an LMIA is required or whether the employment may qualify under an applicable International Mobility Program exemption.
Once applicable employer-side requirements are satisfied, NKIC can assist the foreign worker with the corresponding work-permit application within our authorized professional scope.
Workers should review their immigration status and expiry date well before their current authorization expires. The ability to continue working after an extension application is filed depends on the applicant's circumstances and applicable maintained-status rules.
A worker with an employer-specific permit cannot normally treat it as an open work permit. Changing employers, occupations or other permit conditions may require a new application and appropriate authorization before the new employment begins.
Review nationality, immigration status, education, work experience, occupation, family circumstances and Canadian objectives.
Where applicable, assess the employer, position and whether an LMIA or LMIA exemption may be required.
Identify the appropriate work-permit category and the employer and worker documentation required for that pathway.
Where NKIC is retained, prepare and submit the applicable immigration application within our authorized professional scope.
For some foreign workers, qualifying Canadian employment may later contribute to eligibility under Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program or a community-based immigration pathway.
A job offer, LMIA or Canadian work permit does not itself guarantee permanent residence. Permanent-residence eligibility must be assessed separately under the applicable program requirements.
We assess the proposed employment and foreign worker's circumstances to identify the appropriate Canadian immigration process.
We assist with immigration documentation, forms, supporting evidence and submissions appropriate to the work-permit category.
Where NKIC is formally retained and appointed, Canadian immigration advice and representation are provided within the authorized professional scope of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.
Complete the NKIC Online Intake Questionnaire so we can review your employment, employer, immigration history, education, work experience, nationality and family circumstances before recommending the appropriate next step.
Complete Online Intake Book a Consultation WhatsApp +41 76 818 00 66Canadian work-permit rules and temporary public policies can change. Eligibility depends on the worker, employer, occupation, location, immigration status and program requirements applicable at the time. A job offer, LMIA, LMIA exemption or Canadian employment does not by itself guarantee issuance of a work permit or permanent residence.