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Employee with a Canadian job offerAn employer-specific work permit, with or without a labour market impact assessment. 7 steps Working holiday, aged 18 to 30 or 35International Experience Canada: an open work permit for nationals of partner countries. 6 steps StudentA study permit, for a programme at a designated learning institution. 6 steps Permanent residenceExpress Entry, the points-based federal system for skilled workers. 6 steps US or Mexican professionalA CUSMA professional work permit, for listed professions with a Canadian job offer. 4 steps Open a step on the roadmap to see what it involves. Rules change
Canada cut its temporary-resident numbers in 2025 and 2026, with caps on study permits, fewer working-holiday places and tighter rules on spouses' open work permits. Processing times are published on the IRCC site and change week to week. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Confirm each step with IRCC, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before you rely on it.
Your roadmap · Employee with a Canadian job offer 7 steps 4–8 months before → to Months 6–12 1 Step 1: Find out which route the job uses4–8 months before + Most offers need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which the employer obtains from Employment and Social Development Canada. Intra-company transfers, some tech roles under the Global Talent Stream and professionals covered by trade agreements are handled differently. 2 Step 2: Employer completes its side3–6 months before + Either the positive LMIA, or for exempt roles an offer submitted through the IRCC employer portal with its compliance fee paid. You need the reference number before you apply. 3 Step 3: Apply online and give biometrics2–4 months before + Apply through your IRCC account with the offer, passport, CV and qualifications. You will be asked for fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre, and possibly a medical exam. 4 Step 4: Receive the port-of-entry letterWeeks before + An approval comes as a letter, not a permit. Visa-required nationals also get a visa in the passport; others an electronic travel authorisation linked to it. 5 Step 5: Collect the permit at the borderDay 0 + The officer at your first Canadian airport issues the work permit. Check the employer name, occupation and expiry before you leave the counter. 6 Step 6: Get a Social Insurance NumberWeek 1 + Apply online or at a Service Canada centre with the work permit. Your employer needs it before the first payday. 7 Step 7: Plan for permanent residenceMonths 6–12 + Canadian work experience counts heavily in Express Entry. Many people start a profile within their first year. Get help with the move to Toronto → Chat with Eva