Canadian work authorization may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or fall under an LMIA-exempt category such as international agreements, intra-company transfers, or significant benefit, each with distinct employer and worker obligations.
LMIA stream averages are on the LMIA processing times guide and the full tracker.
Employers must demonstrate recruitment efforts and labour market need where an LMIA is required. We work alongside HR teams on defensible filings that align with program-specific wage, advertising, and job description rules.
Many Vancouver tech and professional hires rely on exemptions tied to trade agreements, CUSMA, transfer categories, or other IRCC codes. Choosing the correct exemption and supporting it with evidence reduces refusal risk at ports of entry and online submissions.
Small errors on renewal timelines or job duties can jeopardize continuity of work authorization. We advise on when bridging, employer-specific amendments, or new permits are required.
Before filing, confirm recruitment advertising meets ESDC rules (wage, duties, location, and platforms), that the offered wage aligns with the prevailing wage for the occupation in Metro Vancouver, that the NOC duties match the real job, and that high-wage files include any required transition plan. Under TFWP rules, the employer must pay the LMIA processing fee and cannot recover that fee, or related LMIA legal fees, from the foreign worker.
Ask how recruitment tracking and advertising audits will be documented, whether job descriptions and wages have been checked against Vancouver market standards for the NOC, and who pays the LMIA processing fee versus legal fees. Clear answers on those points usually matter more than marketing claims.
General information for Vancouver applicants, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts and current IRCC or IRB policy.
LMIA processing varies by stream (for example high-wage, low-wage, Global Talent Stream) and government service standards. Delays can occur when files are incomplete or when additional verification is required.
A closed permit authorizes work for a specific employer under stated conditions. Changing employers generally requires a new permit or an approved change of conditions before you start unauthorized work.
A job offer is usually necessary but rarely sufficient on its own. Officers assess admissibility, labour market rules, employer compliance history, and whether the offer is genuine and consistent with the permit category requested.
In some circumstances, applicants who apply to extend work authorization before expiry may continue working under defined conditions while a decision is pending. Whether implied status applies depends on permit type, application method, and timing.
As of ESDC's September 2026 update, the average high-wage LMIA processing time is 98 business days and the average low-wage time is 82 business days.
Visitors generally can no longer apply for a work permit from inside Canada, because the temporary policy ended on August 28, 2024.
Share your timeline and goals on our consultation page, we will outline practical next steps for your immigration strategy in BC.
Immigration consultation, Vancouver