1. Immigration Consulting & Legal Services
These professionals guide applicants through immigration processes.
- Immigration Consultants (RCICs): Regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
- Immigration Lawyers: Provide legal assistance, especially for appeals or complex cases.
- Services include:
- Eligibility assessments
- Application preparation
- Document verification
- Appeals & representation
2. Visa & Immigration Programs
Assistance with specific programs, such as:
Express Entry
• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Provincial Nominee Program
• Each province/territory offers its nomination streams.)
Study Permits
• Help with college/university admission
• Study permit applications
• Transition to permanent residence
Work Permits
• Help with college/university admission
• Study permit applications
• Transition to permanent residence
Family Sponsorship
• Spouse, partner, child, or parent sponsorship
Refugee & Asylum Claims
• Assistance with protection claims or humanitarian applications
3. Settlement Services
For newcomers already in Canada, these services help you adapt:
- Language training (English/French)
- Housing support
- Job search assistance
- Community integration programs
- School enrolment for children
- Resume & interview prep
Most are funded by the Canadian government and free for PRs.
4. Document & Application Services
- Translations & notarizations
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
- Police clearance certificates
- Biometrics & medical exam booking
LMIA
An LMIA work permit is a type of Canadian work permit requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Here’s a clear breakdown:
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on Canada’s labor market.
- Positive LMIA: Means there is a need for a foreign worker and no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
- Negative LMIA: Means a Canadian or permanent resident should fill the position.
LMIA-Based Work Permit Process
- Employer applies for LMIA:
- Proves efforts to hire a Canadian (e.g., job ads).
- Submits documents to ESDC.
- Pays application fee (usually CAD $1,000 per position).
- Get a positive LMIA:
- Once approved, the employer receives a confirmation letter.
- Worker applies for a work permit:
- Submits the LMIA letter and a job offer.
- May also need biometrics, medical exams, and police clearance.
- Receive work permit:
- Issued for the specific employer and position.
- Usually time-limited.
Who Needs an LMIA?
Most Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) need one unless they qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit. Examples of LMIA exemptions:
- Intra-company transferees
- NAFTA/CUSMA professionals
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders
How Long Does It Take?
- LMIA processing: 1–3 months (varies by stream and employer).
- Work permit processing: Depends on the applicant’s country (ranges from a few weeks to several months).
Common LMIA Streams
- High-wage and low-wage streams
- Global Talent Stream (fast-tracked for certain tech roles)
- Agricultural and Seasonal Workers
- Caregiver program
A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows the spouse or common-law partner of certain individuals in Canada to work for any employer while living in Canada. It’s a great pathway for couples where one partner already has a valid status (like as a student or worker).
Who Can Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit?
- Spouse/Common-law partner of a skilled worker:
- The principal applicant must have a valid work permit and work in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
- You must show proof of relationship (marriage certificate or evidence of common-law status).
- Spouse of an international student (study permit holder):
- The student must be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in a post-secondary academic program.
- The spouse can apply for an open work permit valid for the same period as the study permit.
- Spouse of someone applying for permanent residency:
- Under the inland spousal sponsorship program, the sponsored spouse can apply for an open work permit while their PR application is being processed.
Key Benefits
- Open work permit: No job offer required.
- No LMIA needed.
- Can work for any employer in Canada.
- Valid for the same duration as the sponsoring partner’s permit (work or study).