Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check whether you need a permit at all

Work permitsThe employer's partStep · of 7

BlockedOptionalYou are here

·. Job offer from a Canadian employer

For an employer-specific permit you need a written job offer from an employer who is not on the non-compliant employers list.

Waiting on: Employer-specific or open

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step · of 7 · OptionalClose

Job offer from a Canadian employer

BlockedOptional

The authority on this stepEmployer-specific work permitscanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

For an employer-specific permit you need a written job offer from an employer who is not on the non-compliant employers list. Depending on the stream, the employer either obtains an LMIA or submits an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pays a $230 compliance fee.

Why it's required: This branch is the employer's, not yours, and it is where timelines slip. Check the non-compliant list before accepting an offer. A permit tied to a barred employer is worth nothing.

Compliance fee$230Paid by the employer on LMIA-exempt hires, not by you.

Check firstNon-compliant listIRCC publishes employers barred from hiring foreign workers.

Documents you'll need

A written job offer or contract
The employer's LMIA number, or their offer of employment number
Your job title and the National Occupational Classification code

Before this step

BlockedEmployer-specific or open

Finishing this unlocks: Employer gets an LMIA, if one is needed