VisaHelp Immigration

Temporary Worker • Pathway

Work Permit / LMIA

Employer-specific (LMIA-based) work permits, open work permits, and renewals. We work directly with your employer on LMIA applications where needed.

Who This Is For

Is this the right pathway for you?

Skilled workers with a job offer

You have a Canadian employer ready to hire you — we manage the LMIA and work permit end-to-end.

Employers hiring foreign workers

Canadian businesses needing to sponsor a foreign worker via a positive LMIA.

Open work permit holders

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or bridging open work permits.

Permit renewals

Existing work permit holders renewing or changing employers.

What We Handle

Full-service, zero guesswork.

We take ownership of every moving part — so you don’t have to learn immigration law on top of your day job.

LMIA application
We draft and file the Labour Market Impact Assessment with ESDC on the employer’s behalf — including advertising evidence, wage justification, and transition plans.
Job offer review
Review of offer letter, NOC code accuracy, wage floor, and job duty alignment with LMIA requirements.
Employer compliance
We help employers meet post-hire compliance (working conditions, inspections, recordkeeping).
Worker application
Once LMIA is positive, we file the worker’s permit application with all supporting documentation.
LMIA-exempt streams
International Mobility Program work permits (intra-company transfers, trade agreements, open work permits).

Our Process

How your work permit / lmia case moves forward.

STEP 01

Employer + Worker Review

We verify the offer, NOC, and whether LMIA is needed or an exemption applies.

STEP 02

LMIA (if needed)

Advertising conducted, LMIA filed, approval typically 2–4 months depending on stream.

STEP 03

Work Permit Application

Worker applies online with LMIA letter, offer, and supporting docs.

STEP 04

Port of Entry

If visa-exempt, permit issued at the border. Otherwise, pre-approved and picked up at CoPR.

Questions, Answered

Frequently asked.

What is the difference between LMIA and LMIA-exempt?

LMIA = the employer must prove no Canadian could fill the role. LMIA-exempt = international agreements (CUSMA, CETA), intra-company transfers, reciprocal programs, or open permits (SOWP, PGWP).

How long does LMIA take?

ESDC standard: 2–4 months depending on stream. High-wage, low-wage, global talent, and seasonal have different timelines. High-Wage Stream is typically the fastest.

Can I change employers on a work permit?

Closed/employer-specific permits: no, you need a new permit (or LMIA if applicable). Open permits (SOWP/PGWP/bridging): yes.

Does work experience here count toward PR?

Yes — 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in a TEER 0/1/2/3 NOC makes you eligible for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry.

Next Step

Let’s see if this fits your case.

A 15-minute call. No commitment, no fee. Just honest answers about your pathway.