Employer Portal Canada

Learn how employers submit job offers through the IRCC Employer Portal for immigration applications.

Employer Portal for Canadian Immigration

Hiring international talent is a strategic advantage for many Canadian businesses, but the process involves strict regulatory requirements. For employers hiring foreign workers through the International Mobility Program (IMP)—which includes streams that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—the Employer Portal is a mandatory digital tool.

The Employer Portal is the primary interface between your business and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is where you submit offers of employment, pay compliance fees, and manage your regulatory obligations. Proper use of this portal is not just an administrative step; it is a legal requirement. Errors here can lead to refused work permits for your employees and potential audits or penalties for your business.

At Career Plus Immigration, we help employers navigate the technical and legal aspects of the Employer Portal. We ensure your business remains compliant while you focus on building your team.

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What is the Employer Portal?

The Employer Portal is a secure online system managed by IRCC. It serves two main functions:

Submitting Offers of Employment: For foreign workers who are exempt from the LMIA process (such as intra-company transferees, CUSMA professionals, or Francophone mobility workers), employers must submit the job offer directly through this portal before the worker can apply for their work permit.
Compliance Management: The portal tracks your history of offers and is used to facilitate compliance inspections. It ensures that the terms of employment you offer (wages, duties, hours) match what the foreign worker actually receives once they arrive in Canada.

Who Needs to Use the Employer Portal?

Not every employer hiring a foreign worker uses this portal. It is specifically designed for employers hiring under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

You must use the Employer Portal if:

You are hiring a foreign worker who does not need an LMIA (LMIA-exempt).
The worker requires a specific, employer-specific work permit (not an open work permit).

Note: If you are hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) which requires a positive LMIA, you generally do not use this portal for the job offer itself; instead, you use the LMIA application process through ESDC.

How to Register for the Employer Portal

Setting up your account correctly is the first step to a smooth hiring process.

Step 1: Create a GCKey or Sign-In Partner Account

To access the portal, you need a secure credential. You can use a GCKey (a unique username and password) or a Sign-In Partner (using your online banking credentials).

Step 2: Enrol as an Employer

Once signed in, you must enrol your business. You will need to answer a series of questions to verify your identity and your business's legitimacy.

Step 3: Enter Business Information

You will be required to provide your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number, legal business name, and other corporate details.

Step 4: Designation of Representatives

If you are using a representative (like Career Plus Immigration) to manage your portal, you must assign them access within the system so they can submit offers on your behalf.

Paying the Employer Compliance Fee

For most offers submitted through the portal, a $230 CAD employer compliance fee is mandatory. This must be paid directly within the portal before the offer can be finalized.

Providing the Offer of Employment Number

After you submit the offer and pay the fee, the portal generates an Offer of Employment Number (starts with an “A”). You must give this number to the foreign worker, as they cannot apply for their work permit without it.

Key Considerations for Employers

Accuracy is Legally Binding: The information you enter into the portal (wages, hours, duties) forms a binding agreement. If an audit occurs, you must prove you provided exactly what was stated in the portal.
Compliance Inspections: IRCC conducts random and targeted inspections. Failing to comply with the terms submitted in the portal can result in administrative monetary penalties (fines) and a ban from hiring foreign workers.
Record Keeping: You are required to keep all documents related to the hiring and employment of the foreign worker for six years.

How Career Plus Immigration Can Help

Managing the Employer Portal can be technical and time-consuming. One mistake in selecting an exemption code or entering wage details can cause a work permit refusal.

Career Plus Immigration offers full-service support for employers:

Portal Setup & Registration: We handle the initial enrollment and ensure your business profile is set up correctly.
Offer Submission: We draft and submit offers of employment, ensuring the correct NOC codes and exemption categories are used.
Compliance Audits: We review your offers to ensure they meet IMP requirements and advise on best practices for record-keeping to prepare for potential inspections.

Your Journey, Our Expertise

Don’t let technical hurdles delay your hiring process. Career Plus Immigration is your trusted partner, providing the legal clarity and operational support you need to use the Employer Portal with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

LMIA for Employers

Employer Portal for job offer

TFWP for Employers

LMIA for Employers

Employer Portal for job offer

What is the Employer Portal used for?

The Employer Portal is used by Canadian employers to submit offers of employment for foreign workers who do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is also used to pay compliance fees and manage employer information with IRCC.
Who needs to register for the Employer Portal?

Any employer hiring a foreign worker under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for an employer-specific work permit must register. Employers hiring workers with open work permits do not need to use the portal.
How do I reset my Employer Portal password?

If you use a GCKey, you can reset your password through the GCKey login page by answering your recovery questions. If you use a Sign-In Partner (banking login), you must recover your password through your financial institution.
What is the employer compliance fee?

The employer compliance fee is $230 CAD. It is required for most offers of employment submitted through the portal to cover the cost of compliance inspections. Some exemptions apply (e.g., for non-profit organizations).
Can I submit multiple offers of employment through the portal?

Yes. You must submit a separate offer of employment and pay a separate compliance fee for each foreign worker you intend to hire.
How do I update my business information in the portal?

You can update certain business details directly in your account settings. However, critical information like the CRA business number cannot be easily changed; you may need to contact IRCC technical support or create a new account if your business structure changes significantly.
What happens if I make a mistake in the Employer Portal?

If you realize a mistake before the worker applies for their work permit, you can withdraw the offer and submit a new one. If the worker has already applied, correcting the error is difficult and may require withdrawing the work permit application. Always double-check information before submission.

TFWP for Employers

What is the difference between the TFWP and the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

The main difference is the LMIA. The TFWP requires an employer to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove no Canadians are available. The IMP allows employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA because the position offers broader economic, cultural, or competitive advantages to Canada.
How long does it take to get an LMIA under the TFWP?

Processing times vary by stream and volume of applications. The Global Talent Stream aims for 10 business days. High-wage and low-wage streams can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
What are the advertising requirements for a TFWP job posting?

Generally, you must advertise on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and at least two other methods consistent with the occupation (e.g., industry websites, local newspapers). The ads must run for at least four consecutive weeks before applying and remain active until a decision is made.
Can a foreign worker apply for permanent residence while on a TFWP work permit?

Yes. Work experience gained under the TFWP is often eligible for permanent residence pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A valid job offer supported by an LMIA can also boost a candidate’s points.
What happens if an employer violates TFWP rules?

Employers found to be non-compliant can face administrative monetary penalties (fines), a ban from using the program (hiring foreign workers), and the publication of their business name on a public blacklist.
How long can a foreign worker stay in Canada under the TFWP?

It depends on the stream and the duration of the work permit. Low-wage stream permits are typically limited to one or two years. High-wage permits can be longer. Some streams have cumulative duration caps (e.g., 4 years maximum inside Canada).
Can a TFWP work permit be extended?

Yes, provided the employer obtains a new positive LMIA (or the existing one is still valid) and the worker meets the eligibility requirements. The extension application must be submitted before the current permit expires.

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