Study and work
LMIA and work permits
Most foreign workers need a work permit to work in Canada. An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer. An employer-specific permit ties you to one employer, and the employer often needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment first. That is a confirmation from Service Canada that hiring you will not hurt Canadian workers.
Who needs a work permit or an LMIA?
- Workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Canadian employers who need to hire from abroad.
- Graduates, spouses and others who may qualify for an open work permit.
- Workers in Canada who need to extend or change their permit.
How do you get a work permit?
- We work out which permit fits: one based on an LMIA, one that is LMIA-exempt, or an open permit.
- For employers, we prepare the LMIA application and guide the advertising Service Canada requires.
- Once the LMIA or exempt job offer is in place, we prepare the worker's application.
- We submit it and handle requests for biometrics, medicals or more documents.
- We remind you to apply for an extension before your permit runs out.
Work permits we help with
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) for graduates of eligible Canadian programs.
- Employer-specific permits based on an LMIA.
- Open work permits for eligible spouses of workers and students.
- Intra-company transfers.
- Agricultural work permits.
- International Mobility Program permits that do not need an LMIA.
- Caregiver programs.
What documents do you need for a work permit?
- The job offer or contract, with the LMIA number or offer of employment number where needed.
- Proof you can do the job: education, reference letters and any licences.
- For employers: business documents, proof of advertising and wage details.
- Passport, photos and status documents for workers already in Canada.
IRCC sets the exact list for each application. We give you a checklist for your own file.
Why are work permits and LMIAs refused?
- The worker cannot show they can do the job.
- The LMIA is refused because the job was not advertised properly or the wage is too low.
- The officer doubts the job offer is real.
- Applying for an extension after the permit has already expired.
How can Blue Chip help?
- We take employers through the LMIA rules so the recruitment is done right the first time.
- We match each worker with the right type of permit.
- We prepare reference letters and job descriptions that fit the occupation code.
- Where it is possible, we plan the move from a work permit to permanent residence.
Common questions
Can I get a job offer before I have a work permit?
Yes, that is usually how it works. The employer may then need an LMIA, unless the job is exempt, and you apply for the permit with that offer.
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document from Service Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada). It confirms an employer can hire a foreign worker for a specific job. The employer applies for it, not the worker.
Can I keep working while my extension is processed?
Usually yes, if you applied before your permit expired and you stay in Canada. We confirm this for your situation.
Official pages
Fees, processing times and income figures change often. Check them on the official pages:
- Work in Canada temporarily (IRCC)
- Hire a temporary foreign worker, LMIA (ESDC)
- Work after you graduate, PGWP (IRCC)
- Check processing times (IRCC)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and no one can guarantee an outcome. Rules checked against canada.ca in October 2026.
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