Two-week processing time for work permit applications in Canada – Global Skills Strategy
When you apply for a work permit, you could be eligible for a two-week processing time under the Global Skills Strategy. However, you must know if you qualify and beware of the realities.
- LMIA and work permit
- Where to apply
- Processing for LMIA-based permits
- Processing for LMIA-exempt permits
- The realities of the processing time
- Let us help!
Work permit with our without an LMIA
You may need an LMIA before applying for a work permit, depending on your circumstances. Nevertheless, some people are exempt from the requirements of an LMIA. Subject to other criteria, the two-week processing time applies to both types of work permits.
Where to apply for a work permit
Everyone may apply for a work permit before entering Canada. Some people may apply at a port of entry or after Canada. The two-week processing time only applies to outside-Canada applications.
Two-week processing time for LMIA-based work permits
You may qualify if you meet all of the following requirements:
- ESDC has issued a positive LMIA for you under the Global Talent Stream.
- You are applying online and from outside Canada.
- The application is complete and includes the following:
- All the required forms and documents (with certified translations).
- Medical examination (if necessary)
- Police certificate (if applicable) – I highly recommend including a police certificate for most nationalities.
- All the documents required by your local visa office
- You have paid the processing fee.
- If you need to give biometrics, you must do so within two weeks of the AOR.
Regular high-wage/low-wage LMIA and other LMIA types do not qualify for two-week processing.
Two-week processing time for LMIA-exempt work permits
You may be eligible when meeting all of the following requirements:
- You have applied online for a work permit from outside Canada.
- The employer created the LMIA-exempt job offer through the Employer Portal, and you have enclosed the A number.
- The job position is NOC 0 (managerial) or A (professional) only. Unfortunately, NOC B, C, or D jobs do not qualify.
Keep in mind two-week processing does not cover IEC (International Experience Canada) candidates.
Be mindful of the realities.
In reality, IRCC may not process all Global Skills Strategy work-permit applications in two-week. Any of the following reasons could result in delays:
- Your application is incomplete or does not meet the requirements.
- There are suspicions of inadmissibility to Canada.
- The visa office is not fully operational due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other problems.
- IRCC has changed its current policy for two-week processing.
Applicants who have dependent family members
For applicants who have dependent family members, they must apply concurrently. Otherwise, they won’t qualify for the Global Skills Strategy (GSS).
Let us help!
Please fill out the following form for two-week processing if you need help with a work permit application, whether qualified or not. Of course, you may alternatively fill out our assessment form or book a consultation session with me.
If you are interested in visiting or immigrating to Canada, please complete our free assessment form.
There is no fee for this assessment. We will review your information and contact you if we identify a suitable immigration pathway or other meaningful option for you.
If you would prefer direct advice about your specific situation, you may book a consultation session. This is a paid service and includes formal immigration advice from a licensed Canadian immigration practitioner.
Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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