ELEVATE YOUR DREAM
WORK PERMIT IMMIGRATION PATH
Apply for a work permit upon receiving a job offer from a Canadian employer. Depending on your profile, you may need an LMIA prior to obtaining your work permit or you may be exempt from this requirement. Gaining Canadian work experience will open various pathways for permanent residency.
Job Offer
✓ You receive a job offer from a Canadian employer
Apply for a Work Permit
✓ Your employer receives a positive LMIA.
✓ You apply for a work permit and visa.
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Apply for a Work Permit if
✓ You qualify for a program under a free trade agreement between your country and Canada.
OR
✓ You have an intermediate level of French proficiency.
Apply for an LMIA
✓ If there are no free trade agreements with your country and you do not communicate in french, your employer needs to request an LMIA.
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Permanent Residency Application
✓ Apply for permanent residency based on the best program for you:
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
From Work Permit to Permanent Residency
Explore the different pathways to permanent residency after securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. Depending on your professional profile, you may qualify to apply immediately or may need to work in Canada for at least a year before applying. Options include the Express Entry program or Provincial Nomination.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Key Insights and Essential Information
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You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit. Usually the wage will need to be equal to the median wage for the same position in the geographical location of the job.
*Only special circumstances can allow for an open work permit without a job offer. For example being the spouse of a master’s student.
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You must have related work experience prior to applying. Most programs require 2 years of previous work experience while some request 4 years. This will depend on the job title, the LMIA or the free trade agreement used for your application.
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Intermediate English or French language skills are crucial for obtaining a work permit and succeeding in the Canadian job market. You may need to take an approved language test.
If you can communicate in French, you may be eligible for the Mobilité Francophone work permit.
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Many work permits offer a pathway to permanent residency, such as through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.
Some jobs have priority over others in both the federal program and the provincial program.
Business Immigration
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Professionals & Students
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Work Permits
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Permanent Residency
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Students
Business Immigration • Professionals & Students • Work Permits • Permanent Residency • Students
MEETING
Take the First Step
Book a meeting with our experienced team to discuss your immigration options. Let’s create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and simplifies your path to Canada. Your future begins with one conversation.
Business Immigration
•
Professionals & Students
•
Work Permits
•
Permanent Residency
•
Students
Business Immigration • Professionals & Students • Work Permits • Permanent Residency • Students
MEETING
Take the First Step
Book a meeting with our experienced team to discuss your immigration options. Let’s create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and simplifies your path to Canada. Your future begins with one conversation.
Related Videos
Learn about the work permit process with videos covering job offers, permit applications, and pathways to residency.
Canadian Immigration for Business Owners: 2026 Updates
Are you a business owner, investor, or intracompany transferee looking to immigrate to Canada in 2026? In this video, Rita Benkhalti, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at North Horizon Immigration, explains the major changes affecting business owners seeking Canadian permanent residency. Over the last two years, many entrepreneurs found it increasingly difficult to qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry.
Changes introduced in 2024 and 2025 reduced opportunities for senior managers and business owners, making it challenging to receive an invitation to apply. However, 2026 brings important new opportunities. In this video, you'll learn:
• Why business owners and senior managers faced challenges obtaining permanent residency after 2024
• How the new Express Entry category for senior managers could benefit entrepreneurs operating businesses in Canada
• What the upcoming high-wage occupation points could mean for investors and skilled workers
• How NOC codes and wage levels may affect your eligibility
• What these changes mean for foreign investors planning to start or purchase a business in Canada
If you are considering opening a business in Canada or transitioning from a work permit to permanent residence, this video will help you understand the latest immigration developments and how they may impact your strategy. Book a consultation with North Horizon Immigration to discuss your business project and create a personalized immigration strategy.
📅 Book a Consultation: https://northhorizonimmigration.com
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://northhorizonimmigration.com
📺 Watch Next: New Requirements to Start a Business in Canada in 2026 #CanadaImmigration #CanadaPR #ExpressEntry #BusinessImmigration #EntrepreneurVisa #InvestorVisaCanada #CanadianPermanentResidence #ImmigrateToCanada #BusinessOwner #NorthHorizonImmigration