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Work

Employer-Specific Work Permit

· Reviewed by Tamara Bulantseva, RCIC

An employer-specific (closed) work permit lets you work only for the employer—and usually the occupation and location—named on the permit. Most closed permits require either a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment under the International Mobility Program. You generally cannot change employers without new authorization. Confirm stream rules, documents, and fees on Canada.ca before you apply.

Quick reference

Tied toNamed employer (and usually job/location)
Job offerUsually required
LMIARequired unless exempt
Processing fee$CAN 155 (confirm on IRCC)

Overview

An employer-specific work permit—often called a closed permit—ties your authorization to a named Canadian employer and usually to occupation and location details on the permit. It is the standard pathway when a Canadian employer hires a temporary foreign worker.

Common situations

Job offer that requires an LMIA

The employer obtains a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), then you apply for the work permit with the LMIA details and job offer documents.

LMIA-exempt job under an international agreement or IMP stream

The employer submits an offer through IRCC’s Employer Portal (when required) and pays the employer compliance fee unless exempt. You apply with the offer of employment number.

Changing employers while on a closed permit

You generally need a new work permit (or other IRCC authorization) before starting the new job. Do not assume you can “switch and update later.”

Preferring flexibility to change jobs freely

That usually points to an open work permit—if you qualify for an IRCC-listed open category—not a closed permit rewrite.

What the permit typically lists

Your work permit may state:

  • the employer you can work for
  • the type of work (occupation)
  • where you can work
  • how long the permit is valid

Follow every condition. Working outside those conditions can put status and future applications at risk.

LMIA vs LMIA-exempt (closed permits)

PathEmployer side (typical)Worker side (typical)
LMIA-requiredPositive LMIA + job offer / contractInclude LMIA file number and offer docs
LMIA-exempt (IMP)Employer Portal offer + compliance fee (unless exempt)Include offer of employment number

See LMIA Work Permit and LMIA-Exempt Work Permits.

Documents (high level)

Exact checklists depend on stream and where you apply. Common items include:

  • passport / identity documents
  • work permit application forms and photos
  • for LMIA streams: positive LMIA copy/file number, job offer letter, employment contract
  • for LMIA-exempt streams: offer of employment number and employment agreement (when required)
  • Quebec: CAQ when required for paid work
  • biometrics and medical exams when required

Use the document list generated in your IRCC account and any visa-office instructions.

Fees

  • Worker: IRCC currently lists $CAN 155 for a work permit (including extensions). Confirm live.
  • Employer (LMIA path): ESDC LMIA processing fees (confirm on ESDC pages)—not the IRCC employer compliance fee.
  • Employer (LMIA-exempt path): IRCC currently lists $CAN 230 employer compliance fee in most IMP cases (confirm live; some exemptions exist).

Open work permit holder fees generally apply to open permits, not typical closed permits.

When to get help

Get help if the LMIA vs exemption choice is unclear, job duties do not match the NOC/LMIA, you need to change employers urgently, or a prior refusal or status gap exists.

Have a job offer and need the right permit type?

Tamara can help map your offer to LMIA or LMIA-exempt streams and the documents IRCC typically expects.

Book a Consultation

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

  • Confirmed employer-specific vs open pathway
  • Confirmed LMIA-required vs LMIA-exempt stream with the employer
  • Obtained LMIA copy/file number or Employer Portal offer number
  • Matched job details on forms to the offer/LMIA
  • Gathered passport, forms, and medical/biometrics if required
  • Confirmed work permit fee on IRCC’s fee list

Frequently asked questions

What is an employer-specific work permit?
A closed permit that authorizes work only for the employer (and usually occupation and location) listed on the permit, subject to its conditions.
Do I always need an LMIA?
No. Many closed permits need a positive LMIA, but LMIA-exempt streams exist under the International Mobility Program. Your employer’s paperwork differs by stream.
Can I change employers on a closed permit?
Usually not without a new work authorization. Working outside permit conditions is a serious compliance risk.
What fee do I pay as the worker?
IRCC currently lists $CAN 155 for a work permit (including extensions). Employers may pay separate LMIA or compliance fees. Always re-check IRCC and ESDC fee pages.
Is this the same as an open work permit?
No. Open permits are not tied to one employer and are limited to specific IRCC categories. See our open work permit guide.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

References

  1. Work in Canada temporarily
  2. Get a work permit
  3. Which work permit fees do I have to pay? (Help Centre 1306)
  4. Citizenship and immigration fees
  5. Work permit documents (inside Canada)

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Ready to plan an employer-specific work permit?

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