About permits
What's the difference between employer-specific and open work permits?
An employer-specific permit only lets you work for the employer, occupation and location on it. An open permit lets you work for most employers. Most people applying from outside Canada can't get an open permit.
Can I work once there's an LMIA?
No. The LMIA belongs to the employer. The worker must apply to IRCC and receive a work permit before working.
Does the worker pay for the LMIA?
No. The employer pays ESDC CAD 1,000 per position and may not charge workers recruitment fees.
About time and cost
How long does it take?
Recruitment advertising (2 to 8 weeks), ESDC LMIA processing (September 2026 averages: 98 business days high-wage, 82 low-wage) and IRCC work permit processing (see the processing times tool).
What are the government fees?
Work permit CAD 155 and biometrics CAD 85 per person (CAD 170 for a family applying together). Medical exams, police certificates and translations are extra.
About requirements
Do I need English?
It depends on the job; there's no single threshold for work permits. For permanent residence, language is mandatory with set levels.
Do Vietnamese applicants need a medical exam?
Yes, if you lived in Vietnam for 6 months in a row in the past year and plan to stay over 6 months, or will work in a job where public health must be protected.
About family
Can my spouse work?
Since January 21, 2025, only if the worker is in a TEER 0, 1 or listed TEER 2, 3 job with at least 16 months left on the permit (for workers not on a PR pathway). Different rules apply to those on a PR pathway.
Can my children go to school?
Yes; children coming with you need a study permit before entering Canada.
About changing jobs and PR
Can I change employers?
Yes, but you need a new work permit; you can ask to work for the new employer while waiting, following IRCC's instructions.
How do I move from a work permit to PR?
Express Entry's CEC (TEER 0–3 experience), provincial nominee programs, and regional programs (AIP, RCIP, FCIP). Each has its own rules; no pathway guarantees an outcome.
LMIA vs. C16
Glossary and official sources