If I receive a job offer while visiting Canada, what do I do about immigration?

Receiving a job offer while you are in Canada on visitor status is exciting, but your status does not automatically change. You cannot start working for a Canadian employer based on a job offer alone — you need a work permit. Working without authorization, even for one day, is a federal immigration violation.

What you need to do depends on the type of job and the employer. Many work permits require the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, which is a separate federal process that can take time. Some categories of workers are LMIA-exempt, such as certain intra-company transferees, workers covered by trade agreements, or jobs that fall under specific exemptions.

Once the LMIA is in place (if needed), or once exemption eligibility is confirmed, you or your employer can apply for the work permit. Depending on the category, you may be able to apply from inside Canada or may need to apply from outside. Get legal advice as soon as you receive the job offer so you can plan the immigration steps properly.