A work permit refusal can jeopardize your employment plans and your stay in Canada. Acting quickly with the right strategy — and the right documentation — is critical.
Work permit refusals vary by permit type (employer-specific vs. open work permit, LMIA-based vs. LMIA-exempt). Common grounds include:
An employer's LMIA may have expired, contain errors, or the employer may have a compliance history with ESDC. Any issue with the LMIA flows directly to the application.
Criminal record, prior overstay, or a previous removal order can make an applicant inadmissible to Canada regardless of job offer quality.
Officers must be satisfied the applicant will leave at the end of the permit period, particularly for short-term positions.
Missing proof of employer legitimacy, job offer letter deficiencies, or inconsistency between LMIA and offer letter.
Applicant's stated credentials do not match the NOC requirements for the offered position, or supporting documents were insufficient to verify qualifications.
For applicants who have also applied for permanent residence, officers may question whether the applicant truly intends to leave once the work permit expires.
Adeel Sheikh, RCIC #R535135, reviews your refusal letter, identifies the key deficiency, and tells you exactly what needs to change before you re-apply.
Yes — your employer should be closely involved. If the refusal relates to the LMIA or job offer, they may need to take corrective action before a re-application makes sense.
If you are in Canada on a visitor record or implied status, check your status carefully. Overstaying after a refusal creates inadmissibility issues. Contact us immediately.
If you submitted your new application before your current status expired (implied status), you may be eligible to continue working. This is fact-specific — get legal advice before relying on implied status.
A refused work permit does not directly affect Express Entry CRS score. However, if it results in no Canadian work experience, you lose points for that factor. The refusal itself is disclosed but not a CRS deduction.
Free Preliminary Assessment
A refusal is not a permanent barrier — it is information. Get a free preliminary review of your refusal and a clear action plan from Adeel Sheikh, RCIC #R535135.
Adeel Sheikh, RCIC #R535135
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
This is a preliminary assessment only. Final advice requires a full review by a licensed RCIC. Past refusals do not guarantee future outcomes. Approval is never guaranteed.
Adeel will personally review your refusal and contact you within one business day.
Continue on WhatsAppImportant Notice: The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Every immigration case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances, supporting documentation, and IRCC officer discretion. A refusal does not guarantee that a re-application or appeal will succeed.
Alfalah Immigration Services is represented by Adeel Sheikh, RCIC #R535135, a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are authorized to provide immigration advice and representation.
Related service: Work Permit