Canada Work Permit from Benin
Employer-sponsored work permits fall into two categories LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt. Here's exactly how each works, the real fees, and how to spot the scam patterns that specifically target Beninese applicants.
- Two main routes: LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt (intra-company transfer, significant benefit).
- The $1,000 LMIA fee is paid by the employer illegal for them to charge it to you.
- You pay: $155 processing fee + $85 biometrics, plus $100 more for an open work permit.
- Extrait de casier judiciaire is a standard requirement.
- Path to PR: 12 months of skilled work experience typically qualifies you for CEC.
- Scam awareness: never pay an employer or recruiter the LMIA fee directly.
The two paths to a Canadian work permit
Most employer-sponsored Canada work permits for Beninese applicants fall into one of two categories: an LMIA-based permit or an LMIA-exempt permit under categories like intra-company transfers.
LMIA-based vs. LMIA-exempt
| Type | Employer requirement | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
LMIA-based | Employer proves no Canadian was available, pays $1,000 LMIA fee. | 12–24 weeks total |
LMIA-exempt | Employer submits an Offer of Employment, pays $230 compliance fee. | 6–8 weeks typical |
Who actually pays what
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| LMIA application fee | $1,000 | Employer |
| Employer compliance fee (LMIA-exempt) | $230 | Employer |
| Work permit processing fee | $155 | You |
| Biometrics fee | $85 | You |
| Open work permit holder fee | +$100 | You |
How Beninese applicants get a work permit
Job offer
From a Canadian employer meeting IRCC standards.
LMIA status
Employer determines if LMIA is required.
Documents
Passport, offer letter, extrait de casier judiciaire.
Submit
With LMIA or Offer of Employment number.
Biometrics
Coordinated between Cotonou and Ouagadougou.
What to prepare
Work permit from Benin questions answered
- IRCC Work permit: how to apply, canada.ca
- ESDC Labour Market Impact Assessment overview, canada.ca
This page is reviewed periodically by GetNorthPath's licensed RCIC team. General information, not individualized legal advice.
Got a job offer? Let's check it properly.
We'll confirm whether it needs an LMIA and flag anything that looks like a scam pattern.