Canada Visa Sponsorship Requirements: Documents, Fees and Rules (2026)

Step 2 of 3: Requirements

An employer-specific work permit in Canada costs you just C$155, plus C$85 for biometrics, as of 2026. The employer pays the C$1,000 LMIA fee and your return travel for low-wage jobs. Here's everything you need to qualify, and the next page walks you through the application step by step.

Where are you in the process right now?

Where are you right now?

📋 Basic eligibility

For an employer-specific work permit, you generally need:

• A genuine job offer from a Canadian employer
• A positive LMIA for the job, or an offer of employment number if the job is LMIA-exempt
• Proof you meet the job's requirements, including any licence or certification the province needs
• A valid passport
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required for your country
• A medical exam and police certificate if IRCC asks for them

📄 Documents your employer gives you

According to IRCC, for a job that needs an LMIA, your employer gives you:

• A copy of the positive LMIA and its file number
• An employment contract
• A job offer letter
• A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), only if the job is in Quebec and lasts more than 30 days

For an LMIA-exempt job, you get an employment contract and an offer of employment number instead. Each number can be used for only one application.

Want to see how these papers fit into the application? The next page shows the order.

🗂️ Documents you prepare yourself

• A copy of your valid passport
• Your résumé
• A letter from your current employer and a reference letter from a past employer
• Proof of past work experience, such as pay stubs
• Licences, certificates or diplomas the job requires
• Medical exam results, if your online checklist asks for them

Make sure dates and job titles match across every document. Inconsistent details are a common reason for delays.

💵 Costs as of 2026: who pays what

Sources: IRCC fee list and ESDC program requirements, as of 2026. For low-wage jobs, employers must also arrange suitable, affordable housing and pay for private health insurance until you're covered by the provincial plan.

Under Canada's rules, an employer can't make you pay to get or keep a job, or pay back recruitment fees. Anyone recruiting for them can't charge you either.

Ready to see how it all comes together? The next page has the full step-by-step process.

🎓 Getting your qualifications recognized

Job Bank advises people abroad to check whether their qualifications are recognized in Canada before applying. Many jobs, such as nursing, electrical work or engineering, are regulated by each province.

If your job is regulated, you'll usually need to contact the provincial body for that profession and may need an assessment, exam or bridging course. Start early, because this can take months and the work permit application asks for proof.

🗣️ Language tests

Most employer-specific work permits don't set a fixed language score, but the employer may require English or French for the job. For permanent residence through Express Entry, test results are essential.

As of 2026, IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Results must be less than 2 years old.

🏙️ Wage and location rules

• The wage must match what Canadians earn in the same job and region
• Low-wage jobs are limited to 1 year and capped at 10% of an employer's workers at a location (20% in healthcare, construction and food manufacturing)
• Many low-wage LMIAs aren't processed in cities with unemployment of 6% or higher
• Global Talent Category A jobs must pay at least C$80,000 a year or the prevailing wage

❌ Common reasons applications are refused

• Fake or unverifiable job offer: officers check that the employer and offer are genuine.
• Not enough proof of experience: missing reference letters or pay stubs.
• Missing licence: regulated jobs need the right provincial credential.
• Doubts you'll leave when the permit ends.
• Inconsistent or false documents: this can lead to a ban, not just a refusal.
• Applying in the wrong stream: for example, a low-wage job in a city where processing is paused.

Want to avoid these mistakes? The next page shows each step in order, plus how to spot fake offers.

❓ Quick FAQ

On the next page: the 6 steps from checking the employer to applying on canada.ca, plus a big warning section on job and LMIA scams.

🌍 More work-abroad guides

Weighing up other countries? These guides cover their sponsorship rules.

Disclaimer: This is an independent information website. We are not an employer, recruitment agency, immigration consultant or government body, and we do not hire, sponsor or place anyone or collect job applications. We cannot get you a visa, an LMIA or a work permit. Immigration rules, fees and wage thresholds change often, so always check the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca) before you act. Never pay anyone for a job offer, an LMIA or a 'guaranteed visa'.