Canada Work Permit from Gambia
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 scam patterns.
Gambia 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.
- No document translation needed. Gambian documents are already in English.
- 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.
Overview
The two paths to a Canadian work permit
Most employer-sponsored Canada work permits for Gambian 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.
Step by step
How Gambian 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 clearance.
Submit
With LMIA or Offer of Employment number.
Biometrics
Through Dakar, then decision.
Gambia-specific document requirements
What to prepare
Police clearance
From The Gambia Police Force. request early, no translation needed.
Medical exam
Depends on occupation and length of stay. book immediately if required.
Job offer letter
Must state wage, duties, hours, and duration.
Biometrics
Coordinated through the Embassy of Canada in Dakar, Senegal.
FAQ
Work permit from The Gambia. 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.
Do I need a police certificate?
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Yes, generally, through The Gambia Police Force. request it early, as processing can take time.
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
- 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.
Canada Work Permit from The Gambia · LMIA & exempt routes · $299 CAD