If you are nominated by a Canadian province, you can generally apply for a T13 LMIA-exempt work permit to start working while your Permanent Residence (PR) application is processing. As of May 2026, you will need a Letter of Support from your nominating province, and your employer must pay a $230 CAD compliance fee through the IRCC Employer Portal.
Securing a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination is a massive milestone in your journey to becoming a Canadian permanent resident. However, many applicants face a common challenge: their current work permit is expiring, or they are outside Canada and want to start working for their Canadian employer immediately. This is where the T13 exemption becomes a vital tool. It allows individuals with a valid PNP nomination and a provincial support letter to bypass the complex Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
Understanding how to navigate the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) system for this specific work permit is crucial. 📍 Whether your target province is Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia, the federal rules for the T13 work permit generally apply across Canada. We highly recommend consulting with a local Canadian lawyer or a registered immigration law firm if your case has specific complications, but the standard process follows a clear, predictable path.
Step-by-Step Process for a PNP Work Permit in Canada
While the nomination itself comes from a specific province, the actual work permit application is handled federally by IRCC. 💼 You must strictly follow these federal guidelines to ensure your application is not returned or refused. Here is how most applicants successfully navigate the process.
Step 1: Obtain Your Nomination and Letter of Support
Before you can apply to IRCC, you must be officially nominated by your province. Along with your nomination certificate, you must request a Letter of Support (sometimes called a Work Permit Support Letter). This letter explicitly states that the province supports your request for a work permit because your immediate employment is urgently required and will provide economic benefits to the region.
Step 2: Employer Submits the Offer of Employment
Because the T13 work permit is employer-specific (closed), your Canadian employer must complete their part of the process first. 🏢 They need to log into the IRCC Employer Portal, fill out the details of your job offer, and pay the mandatory employer compliance fee. Once submitted, the portal will generate an Offer of Employment (A-Number), which you must include in your work permit application.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
You must compile a complete document package to prove your eligibility. Generally, you will need your valid passport, your PNP Nomination Certificate, the Letter of Support from the province, your A-Number, proof of identity, and up-to-date digital photos. Depending on your nationality and the nature of your job, you might also need an immigration medical exam or police clearance certificates.
Step 4: Fill Out the Proper IRCC Forms
Most applicants apply online. You will need to complete the Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada (IMM 1295) or the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710) if you are already inside Canada. ✍ Ensure you select “Exemption from Labour Market Impact Assessment” and enter “T13” as the exemption code. Mistakes in these forms are a leading cause of delays.
Step 5: Pay Fees and Submit the Application
Once your forms are validated and documents are uploaded, you must pay the standard government fees. After submission, IRCC will send you a biometric instruction letter if you need to provide your fingerprints and photo at a Service Canada centre or Visa Application Centre (VAC).
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Budgeting for your immigration journey is essential. 💰 While the PNP nomination fees vary wildly from province to province, the federal IRCC fees for the T13 work permit are standardized across Canada. Here are the expected costs as of May 2026:
| Expense Type | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Employer Compliance Fee (Paid by Employer) | $230 |
| Work Permit Application Fee | $155 |
| Biometrics Fee (If required) | $85 |
| Average Lawyer Fees | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
Keep in mind that hiring a local Canadian law firm can save you from costly mistakes. The legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your background, such as if you have a prior summary conviction or require additional legal representation.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times with IRCC fluctuate based on application volumes and where you are applying from. ⌛ If you are applying from within Canada to extend your status, a standard online work permit application typically takes about 3 to 5 months. If you are applying from outside Canada, the timeline depends heavily on your local visa office, ranging anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks.
Some applicants from visa-exempt countries may be eligible to apply at the Port of Entry (border). If eligible, the work permit can be issued on the spot by a border services officer. However, always verify current IRCC policies before travelling, as border applications require thorough preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an LMIA for a PNP work permit?
No. If you have a valid PNP nomination and a Letter of Support from the province, you are generally exempt from the LMIA process under exemption code T13.
Can my spouse work in Canada while I hold a T13 permit?
Yes, in most cases, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit based on your status as a principal worker in Canada.
What happens if my PNP nomination expires?
You must apply for your work permit while your nomination certificate is still valid. If it expires before you submit your IRCC application, you must ask the province for an extension.
Should I use a lawyer or do it myself?
While you can apply independently, many applicants choose to hire a Canadian immigration lawyer to ensure all forms and T13 exemption arguments are perfectly aligned with IRCC standards.
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