LMIA and work permit: everything you need to know

I’ll be straight with you: the first time someone mentioned LMIA to me, I thought it was the name of a disease. Seriously. And along with that acronym came an avalanche of terms, work permit, open work permit, employer-specific, Global Talent Stream. I’d stare at my computer screen thinking “my God, I need a whole dictionary just for immigration”.

But look, I’m here on the other side now. I came to Canada on a student visa in September 2024, worked under the student hour restrictions (and man, that’s frustrating, we’ll get there), and today I’m at an AI startup. So I can tell you about work permits not just from theory, but from what I lived through.

The good news is that once you understand the logic behind each type, it all makes sense. Come with me.

What is the LMIA?

LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It’s a document issued by the Canadian government, more specifically by the ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada), that authorizes an employer to hire a foreign worker.

And here’s the most important point that a lot of people get wrong: the LMIA is the employer’s responsibility, not the worker’s. It’s the Canadian company that has to apply to the government for the LMIA, proving it tried to fill that position with a Canadian or permanent resident but couldn’t.

I know it sounds obvious written out like this, but when I was job hunting here, I kept thinking that I somehow had to get the LMIA myself. No. It’s the employer. Breathe.

How does it work in practice?

The Canadian government wants to protect the local labour market. So before allowing a company to hire a foreigner, it requires the company to show that:

• The position was widely advertised across Canada
• No qualified Canadian or permanent resident applied (or was suitable)
• The salary offered is within market average for that position and region
• The working conditions meet Canadian standards

Result: positive or negative

When the government reviews the request, it issues a decision:

• Positive LMIA, the company is authorized to hire the foreign worker. With this document in hand, the worker can apply for their work permit.
• Negative LMIA, the request was refused. This means the government found that hiring a foreigner would have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market.

LMIA and Express Entry

One of the big draws of the LMIA is its impact on your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score in Express Entry. A job offer validated by an LMIA can add:

• 50 points for positions classified as NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
• 200 points for senior-level roles (CEO, CFO, legislators, NOC 00)

Those extra points can be the difference between receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply) or not, especially when cutoff scores are high. 50 points sounds like a little? When the draw is at 500 and you’re at 460, those 50 points change your whole life.

What are the types of work permits in Canada?

Not every work permit requires an LMIA. In fact, there are several different categories, each with its own rules. Let’s go through the main ones:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (with LMIA)

This is the most “traditional” type. The employer gets a positive LMIA, and the worker applies for a work permit tied to that specific company. This means:

• You can only work for that employer
• You can only perform the role described in the LMIA
• If you change jobs, you need a new work permit (and possibly a new LMIA)

2. Open work permits (no employer restriction)

Open work permits are more flexible, they let you work for any employer in Canada, in any position. They don’t require an LMIA. The main types are:

• PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), for those who completed an eligible study program at a Canadian institution (DLI). Duration ranges from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the program. This is my case, I finished my data engineering program and the PGWP is what let me stay and work.
• Spousal Open Work Permit, for spouses of workers or international students who meet certain eligibility criteria.
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), for those already in Canada on a valid work permit with a permanent residence application in progress.
• IEC, International Experience Canada, includes categories like Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op. More on this below.

3. LMIA-exempt work permits

There are situations where the employer can hire a foreigner without needing an LMIA. The most common exemptions include:

• Intra-company transfers (ICT), employees of multinationals transferred to a Canadian branch
• CUSMA/USMCA, professionals from trade-agreement countries (USA, Mexico, Canada) in specific categories
• Significant Benefit (R205), when the hire brings significant benefit to Canada (cultural, economic, etc.)
• Global Talent Stream, an accelerated program for tech workers (details below)

Quick comparison of work permit types

The reality of working on a student visa, my experience

Before I talk about the LMIA process, I need to be honest about something nobody really tells you: working as an international student in Canada is frustrating.

When I got here in September 2024, the rule was clear: a student can work 24 hours per week during the school term (before the change it was 20h, it hit 40h for a while, and they restricted it again). During breaks, you can work full-time (40h).

Try paying CAD 1,500 in rent, buying food, paying for transit, all on a 24-hour weekly salary earning CAD 17-18/hour in retail. The math doesn’t add up. It simply doesn’t. And the worst part is you SEE the opportunities, you WANT to work more, you HAVE the ability, but the visa restriction won’t let you.

I won’t lie: it was one of the hardest phases. Clara and I got here with money tightly counted, and that hour limit was a constant source of anxiety. Every cent was calculated. We learned to cook more at home, found the cheapest supermarkets, used public transit for everything.

But it passed. And I tell you this so you know that if it’s hard, it’s normal. Everyone goes through it. What matters is not giving up.

How does the LMIA process work, step by step?

Understanding the process helps you set realistic expectations. Remember: most of the work is on the employer.

1. Advertising the position (minimum 4 weeks), the employer must post the position on the government’s Job Bank and on at least two other recruitment platforms. The ad must stay active for at least 4 consecutive weeks before submitting the LMIA request.

2. Documentation and application to ESDC, after the recruitment period, the employer submits the application to ESDC with:

   • Proof of recruitment efforts
   • Details of the position (NOC code, salary, benefits)
   • Transition plan (how it plans to eventually fill the position with a Canadian)
   • Processing fee (CAD 1,000 per position, as of May 2026 the LMIA fee remains CAD 1,000/position, per ESDC/canada.ca)

3. ESDC review (8-12 weeks), processing time varies by category and application volume. As of May 2026, standard processing has been taking between 8 and 12 weeks; Global Talent Stream: 2 weeks.

4. Decision: positive or negative LMIA, if approved, the positive LMIA is valid for 6 months for the worker to apply for their work permit.

5. Worker applies for the work permit, with the positive LMIA in hand (the employer shares the confirmation number), the worker can apply for the work permit at IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), either online or at a port of entry.

Important: A positive LMIA does not automatically guarantee the work permit. The worker still needs to be deemed eligible by IRCC, which includes admissibility questions, medical exams and background checks.

Global Talent Stream: the fast lane for tech

If you’re a tech professional, the Global Talent Stream (GTS) deserves special attention. It’s part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, but with one crucial difference: the processing time is just 2 weeks.

Two weeks. While a regular LMIA takes 8-12 weeks, the GTS resolves in 2. As someone who works in AI at a startup, I keep a close eye on this program.

How does it work?

The GTS has two categories:

Category A, Unique Talent

• For companies referred by designated partners (such as accelerators, incubators and innovation organizations)
• The worker must have unique and specialized talent that isn’t available in Canada
• Ideal for startups and scale-ups that need hard-to-find specialists

Category B, In-demand Occupations

• For positions on the list of high-demand occupations maintained by ESDC
• Includes areas like software development, data science, cybersecurity engineering, DevOps and other tech positions
• Doesn’t require a referral from a designated partner

Why is it relevant for Brazilians?

Brazil has a huge number of talented tech professionals. Developers, data engineers, AI specialists, many Brazilians fit perfectly into the GTS categories. Processing in 2 weeks is incomparably faster than the traditional LMIA, and many Canadian tech companies already know and use this program.

Tip: If you work in tech and found a Canadian company interested in hiring you, mention the Global Talent Stream. Many employers don’t know about this option, and it can speed up the process significantly. I know this because when I talk to HR people here, several have never heard of it. You mentioning it can be the difference-maker.

Work permits in 2026: what changed

The work permit landscape in Canada has gone through significant changes in recent years. Here’s what you need to know for 2026:

Reduction in work permit volume

As of May 2026, the Canadian government has kept in effect the reduction from 367,000 to 230,000 work permits in the 2026-2028 immigration plan (IRCC Supplementary Information 2026-2028). That’s a drop of almost 37%. The goal is to balance the labour market and prioritize the quality of hires.

Look, I understand that number is scary. When I read it, I got that knot in my stomach. But relax, a reduction doesn’t mean the end. It means you need to be more strategic. And if you’re not being strategic, this blog exists to help you with that.

Stricter enforcement

ESDC has intensified audits of employers using the LMIA program. Companies that don’t meet the conditions, like paying salaries below what was promised or not offering the working conditions described, are subject to heavy fines and a ban on hiring foreign workers.

This is actually good for us. It means the employers who genuinely need foreign workers and treat their employees well stay in the game. The crooks get filtered out.

Temporary-to-permanent conversion program

One of the most important new developments is the program for 33,000 conversions from temporary to permanent status, planned for the 2026-2027 period. This benefits workers who are already in Canada on work permits and want to transition to permanent residence.

This is the news that gives me hope. The government is saying: “those of you already here, working, contributing, we want you permanently.” It’s exactly my case and that of thousands of Brazilians.

Sector priorities

The government is prioritizing sectors with critical labour shortages:

• Healthcare, nurses, doctors, long-term care professionals
• Trades, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders
• Technology, via Global Talent Stream
• Agriculture, seasonal and permanent workers

If your field is on this list, your chances of getting an approved LMIA are significantly higher.

IEC, Working Holiday for Brazilians?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) is one of the most popular programs among young people who want to experience working in Canada. It offers temporary work permits in three categories:

• Working Holiday, lets you work for any employer
• Young Professionals, requires a job offer in your field of study
• International Co-op, for internships as part of an educational program

The problem for Brazilians

Here’s a piece of information that disappoints a lot of people: Brazil does NOT have a bilateral IEC agreement with Canada. This means Brazilians can’t participate directly in the Working Holiday program the way citizens of countries like Germany, Australia, France, Japan, South Korea and dozens of others can.

Yes, I know. It’s frustrating. When I found this out, I was annoyed. But it is what it is. Onward.

Alternatives for Brazilians

Despite not having direct access to the IEC, there are alternatives:

• Recognized Organizations (ROs), some organizations recognized by the Canadian government offer exchange programs that let Brazilians obtain temporary work permits. Look into organizations like SWAP, AIESEC and others operating in Brazil.
• Dual citizenship, if you have citizenship from a country that participates in the IEC (like Italy, Portugal, Spain or Japan), you can use that passport to apply.
• Student visa, studying in Canada and working during and after your studies (via PGWP) is one of the most-used routes for Brazilians. It’s exactly the path I chose. No Working Holiday, no dual citizenship, but I had the determination to make it work another way.

From work permit to permanent residence

For most Brazilians, the work permit isn’t the final destination, it’s a step on the path to permanent residence (PR). That’s how I see my own process: every day working here brings me closer to PR.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

If you’ve worked in Canada for at least 1 year full-time (or the equivalent part-time) in a qualified occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3), you may be eligible for the CEC via Express Entry. This is one of the most popular routes for those already in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

The provincial programs are another excellent option. Many provinces have specific streams for workers already employed in the region. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS in Express Entry, practically guaranteeing an ITA.

LMIA as a CRS boost

Even if you don’t need an LMIA for your current work permit, getting one can be strategic for Express Entry. Those 50 extra points from a job offer validated by an LMIA can make all the difference in your CRS score.

The full route

For many Brazilians, the journey looks like this:

1. Get a work permit (via LMIA, PGWP, or another program)
2. Work for 1-2 years in Canada, accumulating Canadian experience
3. Apply for Express Entry with a CRS boosted by experience plus a possible LMIA
4. Receive the ITA and submit the PR application
5. In 6-8 months, become a permanent resident

It’s more or less the path I’m walking. I came as a student, moved to the PGWP, I’m accumulating Canadian experience, and aiming for PR. Each stage is a brick.

Practical tips for getting a work permit

How to find employers who sponsor LMIAs

Finding a company willing to go through the LMIA process can be the biggest challenge. And I know this firsthand, I sent between 3,000 and 5,000 resumes over 3 years. Seriously. I’m not exaggerating. There were weeks I sent 30-40 a day.

Here are some strategies that worked (or that I saw working):

• Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca), the official Canadian government site. Postings that say “LMIA approved” or mention availability for foreign workers are good candidates.
• LinkedIn, use location filters to search for jobs in Canada. Many tech companies in particular are open to hiring internationally. It was through LinkedIn that I got my current job at the AI startup.
• Specialized sites, Indeed Canada, Glassdoor Canada, and portals specific to your field (Stack Overflow Jobs for tech, for example).
• Networking, joining groups of Brazilians in Canada, industry events and online communities can open doors. Many LMIA opportunities come through referrals. Don’t underestimate the power of knowing people.

The importance of NOC codes

The NOC (National Occupational Classification) is the system Canada uses to classify all occupations. Every job has a NOC code, and that code determines:

• Whether you’re eligible for certain immigration programs
• The TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) level of your occupation
• The salary requirements the employer must meet in the LMIA

Before applying for any program, identify your correct NOC code. An error in this classification can result in a refused application. It seems like a detail, but it isn’t.

Tip: Look up your NOC code on the official Canadian government site (noc.esdc.gc.ca). Compare your real responsibilities with the NOC description, don’t go by the job title, go by the actual functions performed.

Prepare before you arrive

If you’re still in Brazil and want to maximize your chances:

• Validate your credentials, get your diploma equivalency (ECA) and check whether your profession is regulated in Canada
• Improve your English or French, language proficiency is fundamental in almost every program. And invest in French too, it’s the wildcard of Canadian immigration, as I always say. Check our guide on the job market for Brazilians
• Build an online presence, a strong LinkedIn profile, an updated portfolio and a professional online presence make a difference in the Canadian market
• Research your field’s market, understand which provinces and cities have the most demand for your profession

Conclusion

Getting a work permit in Canada is a process that requires planning, patience and a lot of resilience. The LMIA can seem like a monster at first, but once you understand it’s the employer’s responsibility, and that there are multiple alternatives that don’t require an LMIA, the path gets clearer.

In 2026, the landscape is more competitive with the reduction in the number of work permits. But that doesn’t mean the doors are closed, it means you need to be more strategic. Focus on in-demand fields, keep your language qualification current and build connections in the Canadian market.

I came here on a student visa, started in demolition at CAD 23/hour and then spent more than a year in retail at minimum wage (with the study permit’s 24-hour weekly limit), sent thousands of resumes, and today I’m at an AI startup building my path to PR. It wasn’t easy. There were days I wanted to give up. But God has a plan, and every closed door points you toward the right one.

If you’re thinking about coming to Canada through the work route, start by understanding which type of work permit makes the most sense for your profile. And remember: the work permit is often the first step of a bigger journey toward permanent residence.

I got your back on this one. If you have questions, reach out, I answer based on my real experience as a Brazilian in Canada.