Work Permit & LMIAs

Hire or Work in Canada with the Right Permit

 by Cougar Immigration

Whether you’re an employer seeking foreign talent or a skilled professional ready to work in Canada, understanding the difference between LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt work permits is crucial. Cougar Immigration helps both employers and workers navigate these programs with speed, accuracy, and compliance.

 

What is a Work Permit?

A work permit is a legal authorization for foreign nationals to work in Canada. There are two primary types:

• Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Permit): Tied to one employer, location, and job
• Open Work Permit: Allows work with any employer (eligibility is restricted to certain categories, e.g., spouses of students or PGWP holders)

To hire a foreign worker under an employer-specific permit, most employers need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—unless the worker is eligible for an LMIA-exempt permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

 

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It proves that:

• No Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role
• Hiring a foreign worker will benefit Canada’s labor market
• The offered wage and working conditions are fair and consistent with Canadian standards

An LMIA is usually required for closed work permits, unless the worker qualifies for an LMIA exemption (under C10, C11, C12, etc.).

 

Who Needs an LMIA?

LMIAs are typically required for:

• General high- and low-wage positions
• Trades and labor jobs (e.g., trucking, construction, hospitality)
• Long-term skilled roles with no Canadian applicants
• Certain pathways to permanent residence (PR), like the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Cougar Immigration assists with both the employer’s LMIA application and the worker’s work permit application.

 

How Cougar Immigration Supports You

Whether you're an employer or an applicant, we offer complete support:

For Employers:

• LMIA Application Preparation
• Recruitment efforts & advertising compliance
• Wage verification & job offer formatting
• Submission to ESDC & ongoing support

For Foreign Workers:

• Work permit eligibility assessment
• Job matching with LMIA-approved employers (where applicable)
• Application preparation & IRCC submission
• Transition planning to PR (e.g., Express Entry, PNP)

 

Pricing

Fees depends on the type of job, case complexity, and urgency.

 

Why Choose Cougar Immigration?

With years of experience in LMIA-based hiring and work permit processing, Cougar Immigration offers unmatched knowledge in both employer-side compliance and applicant-side approvals. We work with businesses across industries and individuals worldwide to make Canadian work opportunities a reality.