x
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Learn how we can help you

More Options...

How Do I Get a Canadian Work Permit?

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in How To Move To Canada, Canada Work Visas, Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Temporary Foreign Worker - LMIA

How Do I Get a Canadian Work Permit?

Work permits are required for any foreign nationals who want to work during their temporary term in Canada. These are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and give authorization for someone to work legally in Canada.

To apply before coming to Canada you will need to do so at the visa office in your country. You can apply from within the country but only if you meet specific guidelines. You can also apply as you enter Canada, but only if you are from a visa-exempt country and have the ID number your intended employer has received (employer compliance portal).

Do You Need an LMIA to Obtain a Work Permit? Sometimes.

A work permit alone may not be enough for someone to work legally in Canada. In some circumstances, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be required. This is a document that indicates that there is a demonstrated need for a foreign worker to fill the job, and that no Canadian worker is available to do it.

If you are someone who is about to head to Canada in order to work - whether temporarily or on a long-term project - you need to understand what is necessary in terms of required documentation. Work permits are usually required for almost any traveler heading to Canada to work. Essentially, you can assume that you will require a work permit if you become part of the Canadian labour market for a length of time.

Understanding Canada Immigration Law

Immigration law is becoming more complex and challenging every day. Immigration applications can be refused due to minor oversights and omissions that can delay or negatively impact your business or your family reunifications plans. By not using a lawyer you can be putting your business and your family at risk. Evelyn Ackah is the Managing Lawyer and Founder of Ackah Business Immigration Law, one of the top business immigration law practices in Canada, provides her clients with passionate, knowledgeable and experienced immigration representation, working towards the best results for everyone.


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

More About Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Complete Checklist for Relocating a Business to Canada

The Complete Business Relocation Checklist for Moving to CanadaMoving a business to Canada requires planning for immigration status, corporate structure, payroll, housing, ...

Read More

Ontario Immigration Changes in August 2026 What Employers and Foreign Workers Need to Know

Ontario’s immigration program has gone through some major changes this summer, and we now have an important update for employers and foreign workers who have been waiting to understand ...

Read More

New LMIA Wage Thresholds Take Effect July 17, 2026

Canadian employers using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program should review their hiring plans carefully. New provincial and territorial wage thresholds take effect on July 17, ...

Read More

Employer Readiness Guide for Canadian Immigration Audits

Employer Readiness Guide for Canadian Immigration Audits & InvestigationsCanadian immigration audits are becoming more common as the government focuses on worker protection, ...

Read More

Demonstrating Strong Temporary Intent for a Canadian Visa

How to Demonstrate Strong Temporary Intent for a Canadian VisaTo show strong temporary intent for a Canadian visa, understand what temporary intent means under immigration law ...

Read More

Forbes Bros. Ltd. chose Ackah law as our immigration specialist for several reasons:

1. Competence: As immigration, permanent residency and the temporary Foreign worker program are necessary to our business we are not in a position to use a less than fully qualified service provider on these files.

2. Responsiveness: When you are dealing with the lives of people, there is nothing more important to that individual at that moment than his or her immigration issues, responsiveness to this, and an appreciation of the employee’s position is key.

3. Attitude: The thing I like best about Ackah law is the attitude and can-do spirit of the staff. Evelyn and her team show us what a small group of dedicated individuals can do. IT is the first time in a long time that I didn’t feel like a billable hour in a lawyers office.

– Doug Elniski, Vice President - Human Resources

View All Testimonials

Love is a word I dare not diminish. Built with intention, care and respect by Bryce Kirk