Work permit and Express Entry
Canada pairs a temporary employer-sponsored work permit with a points-based residency system. A valid offer lifts your Express Entry profile, and provincial nominee streams add targeted routes for healthcare, trades and tech.
Processing time
2 weeks under Global Talent Stream, otherwise 2-6 months
Potential residence pathway
Potential permanent residence routes vary
Employer sponsorship
Usually required via LMIA
Job offer
Required for the employer-driven route
Salary threshold
Prevailing wage for the occupation and province
Cost
Employer pays the LMIA fee, you pay the permit fee
Permit duration
Often 1-3 years; residence options vary
Criteria to verify
- Job offer from a Canadian employer, usually with a positive LMIA.
- Qualifications and experience matching the NOC code.
- Language test results for the residency application.
Indicative employer steps
- Apply for the Labour Market Impact Assessment, or use Global Talent Stream.
- Provide the offer of employment number for exempt streams.
- Confirm wage and working conditions match the prevailing rate.
Watch out for
- LMIA processing is the main delay - ask which stream applies.
- Provincial nominee routes have separate, faster criteria.
- French test results open far less competitive draws.
General educational information only, not immigration or legal advice or an eligibility assessment. Rules change. Confirm current criteria, thresholds, fees and outcomes with the relevant authority or an independent qualified adviser before you act.