LMIA Work Permit → Employment → Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada

A clear, compliance-first pathway managed by Licensed RCICs — ideal for leads who found us on Google and want to work and settle in Canada.

Thank you for submitting our form after seeing our Google ad. You indicated that your goal is to immigrate to Canada through an LMIA-supported Work Permit leading to employment and ultimately Permanent Residency (PR). That plan is achievable with the right employer, documentation, and sequencing — and that’s precisely where our RCIC team at Lawseph & Associates Inc. guides you, end to end.

Summary: What the LMIA Path Involves

  • Employer Sponsorship: A Canadian employer secures a positive/neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire you for a specific role.
  • Employer-Specific Work Permit: With the LMIA and job offer, you apply for an employer-tied work permit and, if approved, can legally work in Canada.
  • Transition to PR: After gaining qualifying Canadian work experience and meeting program criteria, you pursue PR via Express Entry (CEC/FSW) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Eligibility Requirements (LMIA Work Permit)

Employer & Job

  • Canadian employer obtains a positive LMIA under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
  • Job offer meets prevailing wage and program rules; recruitment/advertising documented where required.
  • Employer fulfills program obligations and record-keeping.

Worker (You)

  • Meet job qualifications/licensing (if regulated).
  • Admissible to Canada; biometrics/medical as required.
  • Pay applicable fees and submit a complete application online.

Associated Government Fees (Typical)

Item Who Pays Current Fee (CAD) Notes
LMIA processing (per position) Employer $1,000 Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Employer Compliance (IMP, LMIA-exempt) Employer $230 Only when LMIA-exempt (for comparison)
Work permit processing Applicant $155 Per person
Open work permit holder fee Applicant $100 Only if applying for an open work permit
Biometrics Applicant $85 Family max $170 when applying together
Medical exam Applicant Varies Paid to panel physician

*Fees change periodically. Confirm the latest amounts before filing.

Processing Times — What to Expect

  • LMIA: Service Canada posts stream-by-stream monthly average LMIA processing times.
  • Work Permit: IRCC processing varies by country/stream; check the live online tool.
  • Express Entry PR: IRCC processes most complete EE applications in ~6 months or less after submission.
  • 2-Week Processing (GSS): Some applicants may qualify, though IRCC currently notes it can take longer than 2 weeks.

Further Reading (Official)

FAQs

Is a job offer enough for the work permit?

For an employer-specific permit, the employer usually also needs a positive LMIA. (Some roles are LMIA-exempt under the IMP.)

Can I get a 2-week decision?

Possibly, if you meet Global Skills Strategy criteria (e.g., outside Canada, TEER 0/1, GTS LMIA or LMIA-exempt with Employer Portal offer). IRCC currently cautions that some GSS files take longer than 2 weeks.

Will an LMIA help my PR chances?

Yes. A qualifying job offer can raise CRS points in Express Entry or support PNP nomination—both can accelerate PR.

How does Lawseph reduce refusal risk?

We build a persuasive case theory, ensure wage/NOC compliance, audit all forms and proofs, and respond quickly to document requests.

Steps We Manage for You

  1. Strategy & Eligibility Review: Assess occupation, NOC, language, education, and location to design the fastest compliant route to PR.
  2. Employer & LMIA Preparation: Guide the employer on advertising, documentation, and LMIA filing requirements to reduce refusal risk.
  3. Work Permit Application: Assemble forms, proofs, medical/biometrics scheduling, and compliance narratives; submit and monitor your file with IRCC.
  4. Arrival & Compliance: Support onboarding, work-permit conditions, and any necessary amendments or renewals.
  5. PR Readiness & Submission: Plan language tests/ECA if needed, optimize CRS, select the best PR stream (CEC/FSW/PNP), and file a complete PR application.

Key Takeaways

  • LMIA comes first: Most employer-specific permits require an approved LMIA before your work-permit filing.
  • Accuracy matters: Incomplete or inconsistent employer or worker documents cause delays and refusals.
  • Start now: Processing volumes and program criteria change; early, complete submissions keep you ahead.
  • Compliance is crucial: You must follow work-permit conditions while building PR eligibility.
  • Professional representation reduces risk: A Licensed RCIC anticipates issues and keeps your file IRCC-ready.

Why Choose Lawseph & Associates Inc. (RCIC)

  • End-to-end case management: One team from LMIA planning to PR approval — fewer handoffs, fewer mistakes.
  • Refusal-risk control: Pre-submission audits, accuracy checks, and compliance narratives aligned with IRCC requirements.
  • PR-first strategy: We design your LMIA/work-permit approach to strengthen your eventual PR application.
  • Established Toronto practice: Licensed RCICs providing transparent, responsive support.

Immigration is a life-changing decision — don’t leave it to chance. With Lawseph & Associates Inc., your file is
professionally prepared, fully compliant, and positioned for success. Beginning now helps you leverage
current opportunities and avoid future bottlenecks.

FAQ

Who pays the LMIA government fee?

Typically the employer covers government LMIA costs and recruitment steps. We brief employers on obligations and timelines.

Can I start work before a permit is approved?

No. You must wait for a valid work permit tied to your employer/occupation before beginning any work in Canada.

How do I transition to PR?

With qualifying Canadian work experience and other criteria, we pursue PR via Express Entry (CEC/FSW) or a PNP chosen for your profile.

Best regards,

Lawseph & Associates Inc.
Licensed RCIC Immigration Consultants
432-100 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON, M5H-3K6
📞 416-962-3334 |
🌐 lawsephandassociates.com

Note: This content is general information, not legal advice. Eligibility and processing vary by case and program changes.