Closed Work Permit
Work for a specific Canadian employer with an employer-specific closed work permit based on LMIA or LMIA-exempt
Closed Work Permit Benefits
Key advantages of employer-specific work permits in Canada
Job Security
Work for a specific employer with a defined position, providing employment stability and clear job responsibilities.
Career Advancement
Build Canadian work experience in your field, qualifying for Express Entry CEC and provincial nomination programs.
Family Benefits
Your spouse may qualify for an open work permit, and children can attend Canadian schools at domestic rates.
LMIA Support
Employer-backed application with Labour Market Impact Assessment demonstrating genuine job offer.
Closed Work Permit Eligibility Requirements
What you need to qualify for an employer-specific work permit
Valid Job Offer
Must have a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer for a specific position with defined duties and compensation.
Key Details:
- Written job offer letter required
- Job must match your skills and experience
- Competitive wages meeting provincial standards
- Full-time or part-time position eligible
LMIA Approval
Employer must obtain positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving no Canadian worker is available for the position.
Key Details:
- LMIA submitted and approved by ESDC
- Employer demonstrates recruitment efforts
- Job offer meets prevailing wage rates
- LMIA-exempt positions available in some cases
Qualifications
You must possess the necessary education, work experience, and skills to perform the job duties effectively.
Key Details:
- Educational credentials assessed
- Relevant work experience verified
- Language proficiency for job duties
- Professional licenses if required
Closed vs Open Work Permit
Understanding the key differences between work permit types
Closed Work Permit
Example: Work only for the employer named on your permit. Changing jobs requires a new work permit application.
Open Work Permit
Example: Work for any Canadian employer without restrictions. Freedom to change jobs without new permit.
Closed Work Permit (Employer-Specific)
Work for a specific Canadian employer with a closed work permit tied to your job offer.
What is a Closed Work Permit?
A closed work permit, also called an employer-specific work permit, allows you to work only for a specific employer at a specific location in Canada. Most work permits in Canada are closed work permits.
LMIA-Based Closed Work Permits
Most closed work permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Employer Requirements:
- Prove no qualified Canadian available for the position
- Advertise job for minimum 4 weeks
- Pay prevailing wage for the occupation and region
- Provide positive working conditions
- Submit detailed LMIA application ($1,000 fee per position)
LMIA-Exempt Closed Work Permits
Some closed work permits don't require an LMIA under international agreements:
- CUSMA/USMCA: For US and Mexican professionals
- CETA: For European Union professionals
- Intra-Company Transfers: For employees of multinational companies
- CPTPP: For professionals from Pacific Rim countries
- Francophone Mobility: For French-speaking workers outside Quebec
Application Process
- Job Offer: Receive valid job offer from Canadian employer
- LMIA (if required): Employer obtains positive LMIA (2-6 months)
- Work Permit Application: Apply with job offer letter and LMIA
- Processing: Wait for decision (varies by country)
- Approval: Receive work permit at port of entry or by mail
Changing Employers
To change employers with a closed work permit:
- New employer must obtain new LMIA (if required)
- You must apply for new work permit
- Cannot work for new employer until new permit approved
Processing Times
- LMIA application: 2-6 months
- Work permit (from inside Canada): 4-6 months
- Work permit (from outside Canada): varies by country
Important Closed Work Permit Limitations
- • You can only work for the employer specified on your work permit
- • Changing employers requires applying for a new work permit
- • Job position and location are tied to your permit
- • LMIA process can take 2-6 months for employer approval
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