Employer-specific work permits
We help clients review job offers, employer records, LMIA documents, offer of employment numbers, contract terms, and permit conditions.
Immigration Law Service
Application for Work Visas
Work authorization depends on the job, employer, applicant, LMIA requirements, exemptions, and current status. Sawan Law House LLP helps clients prepare work permit applications and respond to document or eligibility issues.
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Work permit applications can look simple from the outside, but the details matter. The correct category depends on the job, employer, applicant, location, immigration history, and whether an LMIA is required or an exemption may apply.
Sawan Law House LLP helps clients prepare work permit applications with a focus on eligibility and documentation. We review employer records, job information, status documents, prior immigration history, and the applicant’s qualifications before preparing the submission.
Work permit issues can also become urgent when a permit is close to expiry, an employer changes, a refusal is received, or a person is relying on maintained status. Early advice can help reduce avoidable risk.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Work permit rules and IRCC instructions can change, and you should speak with a lawyer about your circumstances before taking or delaying any step.
How We Help
Focused support for each stage of your matter.
Open work permits
We assist applicants who may qualify for an open work permit, including spouses or partners in eligible circumstances and other specific categories.
LMIA-based applications
Where a Labour Market Impact Assessment is required, we help connect the work permit application to the correct employer and job documentation.
LMIA-exempt pathways
We help clients assess International Mobility Program categories, intra-company transfers, trade-related categories, and other possible exemptions.
Extensions and changes
We assist with extensions, changes of employer, changes of conditions, and status questions before an existing permit expires.
Refusals and concerns
We review refusal reasons, missing evidence, eligibility concerns, and possible next steps for a stronger application or response.
Our Process
A clear path from first conversation to next steps.
1
Review the work offer
We look at the job, employer, location, duties, wage, NOC information, and whether the application may be LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt.
2
Confirm applicant eligibility
We review current status, immigration history, education, work experience, family situation, prior refusals, and admissibility concerns.
3
Prepare the application
We organize forms, employer documents, proof of qualifications, explanation letters, and status documents.
4
Monitor and respond
We help with submission, IRCC requests, biometrics, document updates, and next steps after a decision.
What To Prepare
Helpful documents for your consultation.
You do not need to have everything ready before contacting us, but these items can help us understand your situation faster.
- Passport, current status document, prior permits, visas, and entry stamps
- Job offer, employment contract, employer letter, offer of employment number, or LMIA
- Resume, education records, licences, certificates, and proof of relevant experience
- Marriage or relationship documents if applying through a spouse or partner category
- Pay records, tax documents, employer records, or business documents where relevant
- Refusal letters, procedural fairness letters, or prior IRCC correspondence
Common Questions
Work permit questions clients often ask.
Do all jobs require an LMIA?
No. Some work permits require an LMIA, while others may be LMIA-exempt or open work permits. The answer depends on the job, employer, applicant, and category.
Can I keep working while an extension is pending?
Sometimes a person may have maintained status, but the rules depend on when and how the application was filed and whether the person leaves Canada. Get advice before relying on continued work authorization.
Is a work permit the same as a visa?
No. A work permit authorizes work in Canada under specific conditions. A visa or eTA may also be needed to travel to Canada, depending on nationality and circumstances.