Canada Work Permit from Congo (Republic)
Employer-sponsored work permits fall into two categories LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt. Here's exactly how each works, the real fees, and where biometrics actually need to happen.
Congo-Brazzaville work permit specialists
Last reviewed: August 2026 · Fees per IRCC/ESDC schedules
Quick answer
- 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.
- Applications are submitted online unaffected by the lack of a resident Canadian office.
- Biometrics happen through Kinshasa, DRC the resident office for this consular district.
- Scam awareness: never pay an employer or recruiter the LMIA fee directly.
Overview
The two paths to a Canadian work permit
Most employer-sponsored Canada work permits for Republic of Congo applicants fall into one of two categories: an LMIA-based permit or an LMIA-exempt permit under categories like intra-company transfers.
The key distinction
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 |
Real fees
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 |
Red flag read this carefully
If an employer or "agent" asks you to pay the $1,000 LMIA fee, this violates federal regulations. Verify job offers independently before paying anyone anything.
Republic of Congo-specific document considerations
What to prepare and where processing happens
Police clearance
From national police authorities request early given the cross-border processing.
Medical exam
Depends on occupation and length of stay book immediately if required.
Job offer letter
Must state wage, duties, hours, and duration.
Biometrics location
The Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa, DRC coordinated during your consultation.
FAQ
Work permit from Congo (Republic) questions answered
Do I pay the LMIA fee?
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No. The $1,000 CAD LMIA fee is paid entirely by the Canadian employer. It is illegal for an employer to pass this cost to you.
What do I actually pay?
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You pay the $155 CAD work permit processing fee and an $85 CAD biometrics fee, plus $100 CAD more if applying for an open work permit.
What's the difference between LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt?
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LMIA-based permits require the employer to pay a $1,000 fee and prove no Canadian could fill the role. LMIA-exempt permits skip this step, with a $230 employer compliance fee instead.
Where do I complete biometrics?
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Through the Embassy of Canada to the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Kinshasa, which holds the consular district for the Republic of Congo.
Can this lead to permanent residence?
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Yes. After 12 months of skilled work experience, most work permit holders become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class.
How do I avoid work permit scams?
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Never pay an employer or recruiter the LMIA fee directly. Verify job offers independently.
Sources & further reading
- IRCC Work permit: how to apply, canada.ca
- Government of Canada Embassies, consulates and offices for Republic of Congo, travel.gc.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 help you plan biometrics through Kinshasa.
Canada Work Permit from Republic of Congo · LMIA & exempt routes · $299 CAD