Canada Work Permits & LMIA

Guidance for workers and employers on LMIA-based work permits.

Overview For Workers For Employers Typical Documents Avoiding Job Offer Fraud All Services

Talk to our Calgary or Bikaner team

Whether you are a worker with a job offer or an employer planning to hire, we can explain the process and the current requirements.

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Employer and worker discussing a job offer

Canada Work Permits & the LMIA

Many foreign workers come to Canada on an employer-specific work permit. In most cases, the employer first applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which shows that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market.

Once the employer receives a positive LMIA and issues a job offer, the worker applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit. Some jobs are exempt from the LMIA requirement under international agreements or other programmes; we check which category applies to you.

How We Help Workers

  • Profile evaluation against the job’s requirements
  • Review of the job offer, employment contract and LMIA details
  • Document checklist and application preparation
  • Guidance on biometrics, medical examination and police certificates
  • Pre-departure briefing and post-landing guidance

How We Help Employers

For businesses in Alberta and across Canada, we provide practical support with international hiring.

  • Assessing whether the LMIA route fits your hiring need
  • Recruitment and job advertising requirements
  • Preparing LMIA documentation
  • Understanding wage, working-condition and record-keeping obligations
  • Coordinating with candidates in India and other countries

Typical Documents

Every case is different, but workers are usually asked for:

  • Valid passport
  • Job offer letter and a copy of the LMIA (where required)
  • Education certificates and experience letters
  • Language test results where required
  • Police clearance certificates and an immigration medical examination when requested

Avoiding Job Offer Fraud

Unfortunately, fake job offers and paid LMIAs are common. Under Canadian rules, employers may not charge workers for an LMIA, and selling or buying job offers is illegal. Be cautious if anyone promises a guaranteed job or visa in exchange for payment. If you are unsure about an offer, bring it to us and we will help you review it.

Orbit Associates does not sell job offers or LMIAs, and no visa or job is guaranteed.