Canada Work Permit from Algeria
Employer-sponsored work permits fall into two very different categories LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt with different costs, timelines, and who pays what. Here's exactly how each works, the real fees involved, and how a Algerian work permit builds toward permanent residence.
- Two main routes: LMIA-based (employer proves no Canadian could fill the role) or LMIA-exempt (intra-company transfer, significant benefit, and similar categories).
- The $1,000 LMIA fee is paid by the employer it is illegal for them to charge it to you. LMIA-exempt employers instead pay a $230 compliance fee.
- You pay: $155 processing fee + $85 biometrics, plus $100 more for an open work permit.
- Mobilité francophone : avec une offre d'emploi à l'extérieur du Québec, les travailleurs francophones peuvent obtenir un permis de travail dispensé d'EIMT (LMIA) grâce au volet Mobilité francophone.
- Algeria-specific requirement: a police certificate from the Algeria's Ministry of Justice (casier judiciaire) is standard request it early.
- Path to PR: 12 months of skilled work experience typically qualifies you for the Canadian Experience Class.
What are the two paths to a Canadian work permit?
Most employer-sponsored Canada work permits for Algerian applicants fall into one of two categories: an LMIA-based permit, where your employer must first prove to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the role, or an LMIA-exempt permit under categories like intra-company transfers or significant benefit to Canada, which skip that labour market test entirely. The category your job offer falls into changes your timeline, your cost, and your documentation requirements dramatically.
What's the difference between LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt permits?
| Type | Employer requirement | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
LMIA-based |
Employer advertises the role, proves no Canadian was available, pays $1,000 LMIA fee to ESDC. |
12–22 weeks total (LMIA + work permit) |
LMIA-exempt |
Employer submits an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal, pays $230 compliance fee no labour market test. |
6 weeks typical |
Who pays which fees for a Canadian work permit?
Work permit costs are split clearly between employer and worker and confusion about this is a common source of scams targeting Algerian applicants.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| LMIA application fee | $1,000 | Employer cannot legally be charged to you |
| Employer compliance fee (LMIA-exempt) | $230 | Employer |
| Work permit processing fee | $155 | You |
| Biometrics fee | $85 | You (valid 10 years if previously provided) |
| Open work permit holder fee | +$100 | You (only for open work permits) |
Figures reflect current published fee schedules. Confirm live amounts at canada.ca.
How do Algerian applicants get a work permit?
What documents do you need for a Canada work permit?
Work permit from Algeria questions answered
- IRCC Work permit: how to apply, canada.ca
- ESDC Labour Market Impact Assessment overview, canada.ca
- IRCC Current fee schedule, canada.ca
This page is reviewed periodically by GetNorthPath's licensed RCIC team and updated as IRCC and ESDC policy changes. It is general information, not individualized legal advice book a free consultation for guidance specific to your situation.
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