LMIA applications for Canadian employers. LMIA-based closed work permits, LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program, post-graduation work permits, spousal open work permits, and bridging open work permits. We work both sides of the file, from sponsoring employer to incoming worker.
On the consultation call we work backward from your job offer (or your degree, for PGWP) to identify the right pathway. The fees below assume one applicant; add-ons posted on the fees page.
Service Canada Labour Market Impact Assessment. We work with Canadian employers to prepare the LMIA file, recruitment evidence, business legitimacy package, and wage justification. Subject to current 2026 Temporary Foreign Worker Program restrictions.
$2,950
LMIA-based work permit tied to a specific employer and position. The applicant-side file: forms, biographical evidence, employment letter, and submission. Filed after the LMIA has been approved (or in some cases simultaneously through dual intent).
$1,500
International Mobility Program work permits. Intra-company transferees, CUSMA professionals (formerly NAFTA), International Experience Canada, Significant Benefit (C10), Reciprocal Employment, and others. Requires careful pathway identification.
$2,400
For graduates of eligible Canadian DLIs. Single-application, one-time-only. Duration tied to your study program (8mo–3yr). Master’s graduates qualify for 3 years regardless of program length under current policy.
$1,200
Open work permits for spouses of work permit and study permit holders. Eligibility restricted in 2024-2026: depends on the primary applicant’s occupation TEER level or program type. We confirm eligibility on the call.
$1,700
For workers with pending PR applications (Express Entry, PNP, CEC) whose current work permit is expiring. Lets you keep working for any employer while IRCC processes the PR file.
$1,200
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program tightened significantly in 2024-2026. Wage requirements, recruitment evidence, and cap thresholds on low-wage workers are all stricter. Many LMIAs that would have been approved in 2022 fail today on procedural grounds.
What we do for employer clients: business legitimacy package, four-week recruitment campaign documentation, prevailing wage analysis, transition plan drafting, application submission, integrity question response support, and pre-audit preparation if Service Canada selects your file for review.
We work with employers ranging from single-location restaurants to multi-province trucking companies, IT consultancies, and healthcare providers. Volume discounts available for employers running 3+ concurrent LMIAs.
Discuss an LMIA file →
All prices CAD professional fees only. Government fees ($155 employer LMIA fee per position, $155 worker WP fee, biometrics) are separate.
| Service | Full representation | DIY (guided) | Diagnostic / review |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMIA Application (employer) | $2,950 | $1,500 | $650 |
| Closed Work Permit (LMIA-based) | $1,500 | $900 | $375 |
| LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (IMP) | $2,400 | $1,500 | $650 |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit | $1,200 | $750 | $375 |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | $1,700 | $1,050 | $425 |
| Bridging Open Work Permit | $1,200 | $750 | $375 |
| WP extension (same employer) | $1,000 | $600 | $300 |
| WP change of conditions | $1,200 | $700 | $350 |
An LMIA-based permit requires the Canadian employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Service Canada first, a separate, prerequisite process that proves hiring a foreign worker won’t displace Canadian workers. The worker then applies for the actual work permit using the approved LMIA.
LMIA-exempt permits fall under the International Mobility Program. The exemption can come from a trade treaty (CUSMA, CETA), a public policy (PGWP, spousal OWP), reciprocal employment (intra-company transfers), or significant benefit to Canada (C10). Each pathway has its own documentation requirements.
Program length determines validity. Programs under 8 months don’t qualify. Programs from 8 months to under 2 years get a PGWP equal to the program length. Programs of 2 years or more get a 3-year PGWP. Master’s program graduates get a 3-year PGWP regardless of program length under current IRCC policy.
PGWPs are issued once, only. If you exit Canada and want to return, you’ll need a new work permit type.
Eligibility was restricted in 2024-2026 policy changes. Spouses of study permit holders qualify for an open work permit only if the primary applicant is studying in a master’s, doctoral, or specific professional program (medicine, law, engineering, etc.).
Spouses of work permit holders qualify only if the primary applicant works in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or specific high-demand TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations from the in-demand list. We assess eligibility on the consultation call.
If you have a pending PR application through Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, or certain other pathways, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). It lets you keep working while IRCC processes your PR application.
The application must be filed before your current work permit expires. Don’t wait until the last week.
No. A closed (LMIA-based) work permit is tied to a specific employer and position. To switch employers, you need either a new LMIA from the new employer plus a new closed permit application, or you need to qualify for a different work permit category that doesn’t tie you to one employer.
Under the 2019 vulnerable worker policy, you can apply for an open work permit if you’ve experienced or are at risk of abuse from your current employer. We’ve helped clients with these applications.
Free 15-minute eligibility check works for both worker-side and employer-side files. We’ll identify whether you need an LMIA, qualify for an IMP exemption, or have a different option entirely.