KEY SYSTEMS TO UNDERSTAND
Before we get into more details about the major options to immigrate, we strongly recommend you to read this page before moving on. It will help you better understand and distinguish how each pathway is different.
What is LMIA?
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an evaluation conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), a department of the federal government. It assesses the potential impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market. LMIAs are broadly categorized based on the program stream, such as high-wage, low-wage, and permanent residence streams.
What is Regular LMIA?
Regular LMIA refers to an LMIA under the high-wage or low-wage stream, which allows a foreign national to apply for a work permit, typically issued for up to 2 years. Current processing times vary by stream. As of May 2025, high-wage applications take approximately 61 business days, and low-wage applications about 74 business days.
What is PR Support LMIA?
PR Support LMIA refers to an LMIA under the permanent residence stream, which supports a foreign national’s application for permanent residence and can also be used to apply for a 2-year work permit. Processing time is approximately 214 business days as of May 2025.
What is the Purpose of LMIA?
Service Canada conducts LMIA assessments to evaluate the labour market impact, confirm the genuine need for the position, assess the employer’s recruitment efforts for Canadians and permanent residents, and ensure the employer has the financial and operational capacity to hire a foreign worker.
How to Apply for LMIA?
Employers must advertise job openings on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and at least two other platforms targeting underrepresented groups. After a 4-week recruitment period, the LMIA application can be submitted. A Service Canada officer will later conduct an interview with the employer.
Note: As of September 2024, LMIAs for low-wage positions in Montréal and Laval are not being processed until at least November 30, 2025.
What is a Work Permit?
A work permit is a legal document that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada. Work permits typically last between 6 months and 3 years, depending on the position and program.
What is LMIA-based Work Permit?
An LMIA-based work permit is issued based on a positive LMIA. A valid job offer supported by an approved LMIA allows the foreign national to apply for a closed work permit to work for that specific employer.
What is Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?
PGWP is an open work permit granted to international graduates from Designated Learning Institutions in Canada. An 8-month to 1-year program qualifies for a 1-year work permit, while a 2-year or longer program qualifies for a 3-year work permit. As of March 2025, college bachelor’s graduates are no longer subject to field-of-study restrictions.
What is Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)?
A foreign national may sponsor their spouse for an open work permit if they hold a valid work permit in a high-skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), or if they are studying in a master’s, doctoral, or professional program. However, with the regulation change in January 2025, only spouses of certain high-skilled occupations can only apply for SOWP. Additionally, SOWPs are no longer available for spouses of undergraduate students or those in language training programs.
What is Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
BOWP allows foreign nationals in Canada to continue working while their permanent residence application is in process. To be eligible, the applicant must have submitted a PR application under Express Entry or a PNP, reside in Canada, and have valid or restorable status.
What are Other Ways to Get a Work Permit?
Other work permit options include the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for youth from partner countries, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) pathway for transferring employees from foreign to Canadian branches, and the C11 Work Permit for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals under the International Mobility Program.
What is Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
PNPs allow provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence. Each province has its own streams and eligibility criteria, including options for entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and graduates.
What is Express Entry (EE)?
Express Entry is the federal system for managing PR applications for skilled workers under FSW, FST, and CEC programs. Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System. As of March 2025, job offers no longer provide additional CRS points, even with an LMIA.
What is Study Permit?
A study permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution in Canada. It is valid for the duration of the program, plus 90 days.
What is Multiple Entry Visa?
A multiple entry visa allows nationals from visa-required countries to travel to Canada. It is usually valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires.
What is the Difference Between Visa-Required and Visa-Exempt Countries?
Visa-required nationals need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Examples: India, Philippines, China, Vietnam, Russia. Visa-exempt nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead. Examples: Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
What is National Occupation Classification Code (NOC Code)?
Canada classifies all jobs using NOC codes.
As of 2021, the system uses 5-digit codes and the TEER structure:
TEER 0: Management
TEER 1: University-level education
TEER 2: College or apprenticeship training
TEER 3: Less than 2 years post-secondary training
TEER 4/5: Secondary school or on-the-job training
What are Key Admissibility Criteria to Enter Canada?
Applicants must not have serious criminality, must pass medical exams, and must accurately declare their history. Complete our Free Assessment to review your admissibility.
What is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)?
CLB measures English proficiency using standardized tests like IELTS General or CELPIP General. CLB scores are used in Express Entry and other PR streams.
How to Calculate Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking Scores?
Use the Government of Canada’s online CRS calculator or complete our Free Assessment to estimate your score.