Immigrate to Canada

A Canadian employer that cannot fill a role locally may apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If the assessment is positive, you can apply for a work permit tied to that employer and that role. This suits people who already have a genuine job offer in an occupation where Canadian employers face shortages. It typically depends on the employer’s LMIA, the wage offered and whether your qualifications and experience match the job.

NOTELMIA rules, wage levels and regional restrictions are adjusted regularly.

Some work permits do not need an LMIA because they serve wider Canadian interests or follow international agreements. Examples include intra-company transfers for managers, executives and specialists of multinational employers, and certain professionals covered by Canada’s free trade agreements. This suits people whose employer already has a Canadian presence, or whose citizenship falls under a relevant agreement. It depends on the specific exemption category, your role and your employer meeting its own compliance steps.

NOTEExemption categories and their conditions change over time.

International Experience Canada offers work permits to young citizens of countries that have a youth mobility arrangement with Canada, including working holiday and young professional categories. Eligibility is based on your passport, not your country of residence, so it may be relevant if you hold, for example, a British, Irish, Australian or French passport. It depends on your citizenship, the age limits set for your country and being selected from the pool for the season.

NOTEPlaces are allocated by season and by country.