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Understanding the key differences between employer-specific LMIA-backed work permits and the flexibility of open work permits — who qualifies, what each costs, and which supports your long-term goals in Canada.
A closed work permit tied to a specific employer and position. The employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirming that no qualified Canadian worker was available for the role. Once the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker applies for the permit.
A work permit that allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada, change jobs freely, and work in any occupation. Open work permits are issued under specific categories rather than being tied to a job offer, including spousal/partner permits, post-graduation permits (PGWP), and permits for certain refugee claimants.
| Criteria | A LMIA Permit | B Open Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Employer requirement | Tied to one specific employer and job — cannot change jobs freely | Work for almost any employer in Canada — full mobility |
| Cost to employer | CAD $1,000 LMIA fee + recruitment costs + legal fees | No employer cost — worker or sponsor applies directly |
| Processing time | 2–5 months for LMIA + 2–8 weeks for work permit | 2–12 weeks depending on category and applicant location |
| Job flexibility | None — restricted to approved employer, location, and position | Full flexibility — change employers and occupations at will |
| Renewal | Renewable with a new or extended LMIA from the same employer | Varies — PGWP is not renewable; spousal OWP is renewable with principal |
| Pathway to PR | Strong — LMIA job offer adds 50–200 CRS points | Indirect — builds Canadian work experience valuable for Express Entry |
Advantages
Drawbacks
Advantages
Drawbacks
Who qualifies for an open work permit in Canada?
The main open work permit categories are: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who completed a full-time program at a designated learning institution; spouses or common-law partners of Express Entry candidates, international students, or certain skilled workers; refugee claimants and protected persons; and applicants under specific humanitarian programs. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you typically need an employer to obtain an LMIA.
How much does an LMIA cost, and who pays?
The LMIA application fee is CAD $1,000 per position, paid by the employer to ESDC. Employers must also cover costs related to advertising the job to Canadians before applying. It is illegal for an employer to charge these fees back to the foreign worker. On top of the LMIA, the worker pays the work permit application fee of CAD $155.
Can I switch employers on an LMIA work permit?
No — an LMIA work permit is employer-specific. If you want to change employers, your new employer would need to obtain their own LMIA, and you would need to apply for a new work permit. While waiting for the new permit, you cannot legally work for the new employer (unless you qualify for maintained status provisions in certain situations). This is one of the main advantages of pursuing an open work permit when eligible.
Does an LMIA job offer actually help with Express Entry?
Yes, significantly. A valid job offer supported by an LMIA adds 50 points to your CRS score for NOC TEER 2 or 3 positions, and 200 points for NOC TEER 0 or 1 positions. For many candidates sitting just below the draw cutoff, an LMIA-backed job offer can be the difference that gets them an Invitation to Apply.
Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will review your full profile and tell you exactly which program gives you the best chance of success.