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Canada Work Permit from Sierra Leone

Employer-sponsored work permits fall into two categories LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt with different costs, timelines, and who pays what. Here's exactly how each works, the real fees, and how to spot the scam patterns that specifically target Sierra Leonean applicants.

Sierra Leone work permit specialists
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Fees per IRCC/ESDC schedules
Quick answer
  • Two main routes: LMIA-based (employer proves no Canadian could fill the role) or LMIA-exempt (intra-company transfer, significant benefit).
  • The $1,000 LMIA fee is paid by the employer it is illegal for them to charge it to you.
  • You pay: $155 processing fee + $85 biometrics, plus $100 more for an open work permit.
  • Police certificate from the Sierra Leone Police CID in Freetown is a standard requirement.
  • Path to PR: 12 months of skilled work experience typically qualifies you for the Canadian Experience Class.
  • Scam awareness: never pay an employer or recruiter the LMIA fee directly.
Overview LMIA vs exempt Real fees How it works Documents FAQ
RCIC
Reviewed by GetNorthPath's RCIC teamCICC-licensed · Verify at college-ic.ca · Content last reviewed July 2026
Overview

The two paths to a Canadian work permit

Most employer-sponsored Canada work permits for Sierra Leonean applicants fall into one of two categories: an LMIA-based permit, where your employer must first prove no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available, or an LMIA-exempt permit under categories like intra-company transfers, which skip that labour market test entirely.

The key distinction

LMIA-based vs. LMIA-exempt

TypeEmployer requirementTypical timeline
LMIA-based
Employer advertises the role, proves no Canadian was available, pays $1,000 LMIA fee.
12–24 weeks total
LMIA-exempt
Employer submits an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal, pays $230 compliance fee.
6–8 weeks typical
Real fees

Who actually pays what

FeeAmountWho 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
Open work permit holder fee+$100
You (open permits only)
🚫
Red flag read this carefully
If an employer or "agent" asks you to pay the $1,000 LMIA fee, this violates federal regulations. Be equally cautious of recruiters demanding upfront payment for "guaranteed" job placement legitimate employers and IRCC processes never require this. Verify job offers independently before paying anyone anything.
Step by step

How Sierra Leonean 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, police certificate.

Submit

With LMIA or Offer of Employment number.

Biometrics

Coordinated with Accra, then decision.

Sierra Leone-specific document requirements

What to prepare

Police certificate
From the Sierra Leone Police CID in Freetown request early, as processing can take several weeks.
Medical exam
Depends on occupation and length of stay book immediately once you have a job offer if required.
Job offer letter
Must state wage, duties, hours, and duration inconsistencies with the LMIA number cause delays.
Name consistency
Passport, offer letter, and police certificate must match exactly.
FAQ

Work permit from Sierra Leone questions answered

Do I pay the LMIA fee?
+
No. The $1,000 CAD LMIA fee is paid entirely by the Canadian employer to Employment and Social Development Canada. It is illegal for an employer to pass this cost to you treat any request to pay it yourself as a serious red flag.
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 prove no Canadian could fill the role and pay a $1,000 fee, adding significant processing time. LMIA-exempt permits (intra-company transfers, significant benefit) skip this step; the employer pays a $230 compliance fee instead, and processing is faster.
Do I need a police certificate?
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Yes, generally. A police certificate from the Sierra Leone Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Freetown is a standard requirement request it early, since it can take several weeks.
Can this lead to permanent residence?
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Yes. After 12 months of skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0-3) in Canada, most work permit holders become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, often the fastest Express Entry route to PR.
How do I avoid work permit scams?
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Never pay an employer or recruiter the LMIA fee directly this is illegal and a common scam pattern. Verify job offers independently, and be cautious of recruiters who demand upfront payment for guaranteed placement, since legitimate employers and IRCC processes do not require this.
Sources & further reading

This page is reviewed periodically by GetNorthPath's licensed RCIC team. General information, not individualized legal advice.

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Canada Work Permit from Sierra Leone · LMIA vs exempt · Real fees · AI + RCIC review · $299 CAD
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