​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Employer-Specific Work Permit

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An employer-specific work permit authorizes you to work only for the employer identified on your work permit. It may also specify your occupation, work location and the length of time you are permitted to work in Canada.

Many employer-specific work permits require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada. An LMIA confirms that there is a genuine need to hire a foreign worker because no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position.

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Not every employer-specific work permit requires an LMIA. Certain international agreements, public policies and other exemptions allow employers to hire foreign workers without first obtaining an LMIA.

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Common examples include:

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• High-Wage LMIA

• Low-Wage LMIA

• Francophone Mobility

• Intra-Company Transfers

• CUSMA Professionals

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