– By VG Immigration Services Inc. | Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Introduction
If you’ve received a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination from a Canadian province or territory, the T13 work permit represents one of the most efficient pathways to begin working in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed. Unlike standard work permits that require a lengthy and expensive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the T13 exemption code under IRPR R204(c) allows provincial nominees to obtain employer-specific work authorization in as little as 2-4 weeks.
At VG Immigration Services Inc., we’ve helped hundreds of Toronto-area clients navigate the T13 process — from Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) recipients to nominees from British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Alberta. With Express Entry CEC draws hitting historic lows of 509 CRS points in January 2026, combining provincial nomination with T13 work authorization has become a proven fast-track to Canadian permanent residence.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about T13 work permits: eligibility criteria, application procedures, processing times, fees, common pitfalls, and how to leverage T13 employment toward Express Entry and permanent residence approval.
Contact us for a personalized T13 eligibility assessment, or book an appointment to begin your application today.
What is a T13 Work Permit?
Legal Foundation
The T13 work permit is issued under Section R204(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which exempts certain categories of foreign workers from the Labour Market Impact Assessment requirement. Specifically, R204(c) states:
“A work permit may be issued under section 200 to a foreign national who intends to perform work pursuant to an agreement between Canada and one or more provinces.”
This provision creates a pathway for provinces and territories to independently select economic immigrants through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs and provide them with immediate work authorization while their permanent residence applications are processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How T13 Differs from Standard Work Permits
Traditional employer-specific work permits require:
- A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Employer payment of $1,000 LMIA application fee
- 4+ weeks of mandatory recruitment advertising
- Demonstrated inability to find qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Processing times of 3-6 months (or longer)
T13 work permits eliminate all of these requirements. Once a province issues a nomination certificate and provincial support letter, the employer can immediately submit a work permit application through the IRCC Employer Portal using exemption code T13, bypassing the entire LMIA process.
Key Characteristics of T13 Work Permits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Authority | IRPR R204(c) — Canada-Provincial/Territorial Agreement |
| LMIA Requirement | None (fully exempt) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks (online applications); same-day to 1 week (Port of Entry) |
| Duration | Up to 3 years, typically matching permanent residence processing timeline |
| Employer Specificity | Yes — tied to specific employer and job offer from PNP nomination |
| Spouse/Dependent Benefits | Spouse eligible for open work permit; children eligible for study permits |
| Express Entry Compatibility | Yes — work experience counts toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility |
Who is Eligible for a T13 Work Permit?
Provincial Nominee Requirement
To qualify for a T13 work permit, you must have received a nomination certificate from one of Canada’s participating Provincial Nominee Programs:
Active PNP Programs (2026):
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Including Human Capital Priorities, Employer Job Offer, and Masters/PhD Graduate streams
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC streams
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) — Alberta Express Entry and Alberta Opportunity streams
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) — International Skilled Worker and Express Entry sub-categories
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) — Skilled Workers in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) — Express Entry Labour Market Stream and Skilled Workers with Employer Support
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) — Labour Market Priorities and Skilled Worker streams
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) — Labour Impact and Express Entry categories
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) — Skilled Worker and Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) — Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) — Skilled Worker and Express Entry categories
Each province issues a Certificate of Nomination or Nomination Letter upon approval, and most provide an accompanying provincial support letter specifically for T13 work permit applications.
Employer and Job Offer Requirements
The T13 work permit is employer-specific, meaning it authorizes you to work only for the employer identified in your provincial nomination. The job offer must:
✅ Match the occupation and job duties described in your PNP application
✅ Meet or exceed the wage stated in your nomination certificate
✅ Be from a legitimate Canadian business registered in the nominating province/territory
✅ Comply with provincial employment standards (minimum wage, working conditions, hours)
✅ Be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 for most PNP streams
Important: If you change employers or job duties significantly after nomination, you may need to notify the province and potentially re-apply for a new nomination and T13 permit.
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
Beyond provincial nomination, individual applicants must meet standard temporary residence requirements:
- Valid passport with sufficient validity (typically 6+ months beyond intended work period)
- Admissibility to Canada — No criminal inadmissibility, security concerns, or health risks
- Medical examination — Required for work permits exceeding 6 months or in certain occupations (healthcare, childcare, primary/secondary education)
- Biometrics — Fingerprints and photo required for most nationalities (fee: $85 CAD)
- Proof of intent to leave — Though less scrutinized for PNP nominees with clear PR pathways, IRCC may still assess ties to home country
Family Members (Spouse and Dependents)
One of the significant advantages of T13 work permits is the derivative benefits for accompanying family members:
Spouse/Common-Law Partner:
- Eligible for an open work permit (code C41 or C42 depending on circumstances)
- Can work for any Canadian employer in any occupation without LMIA
- Duration typically matches principal applicant’s T13 permit
- Application can be submitted simultaneously with T13 or after approval
Dependent Children:
- Eligible for study permits if school-aged
- Can attend Canadian primary or secondary schools (often tuition-free in public systems)
- Builds familiarity with Canadian education system before PR approval
This family-friendly structure makes T13 permits particularly attractive for skilled workers with spouses seeking Canadian work experience and families wanting to establish roots before formal permanent residence.
T13 Work Permit Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Obtain Provincial Nomination and Support Letter
After your PNP application is approved, the province will issue:
- Certificate of Nomination — Official document confirming your nomination (required for permanent residence application)
- Provincial Support Letter — Specific document supporting your T13 work permit application, typically stating:
- Your nomination details
- Confirmation that you meet provincial nominee criteria
- Authorization for IRCC to issue LMIA-exempt work permit under R204(c)
- Job offer details (employer, occupation, wage, duration)
Pro Tip: Some provinces automatically include the support letter with nomination packages; others require a separate request. VG Immigration Services coordinates with provincial offices to ensure all documentation is complete before IRCC submission.
Step 2: Employer Registers and Submits Offer via IRCC Employer Portal
- Create an Employer Portal account at www.canada.ca/employer-portal (if not already registered)
- Pay employer compliance fee — $230 CAD (unless exempt; exemptions rare for T13)
- Submit offer of employment with the following information:
- Your personal details (name, date of birth, passport number)
- Job details matching PNP nomination (NOC code, job title, duties, wage, location, duration)
- Exemption code: T13 (LMIA-exempt, Canada-Provincial/Territorial Agreement)
- Upload provincial support letter and nomination certificate
- Receive Offer of Employment number — IRCC generates a unique number (begins with “A” followed by digits) that you’ll use in your work permit application
Processing Time for Employer: Usually immediate to 2 business days for portal submissions.
Step 3: Submit Work Permit Application (Worker)
Once you have the Offer of Employment number, you can apply for your T13 work permit through one of two channels:
Option A: Online Application (Recommended)
Apply through your IRCC online account (or create one at www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html):
Required Documents:
- Valid passport (biographical pages)
- Provincial nomination certificate
- Provincial support letter for work permit
- Offer of Employment number from Employer Portal
- Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of current immigration status (if applying from within Canada)
- Marriage certificate/common-law proof (if spouse applying for open work permit)
- Birth certificates for dependent children (if applying for study permits)
- Medical examination results (if required — typically for permits >6 months)
- Police certificates (if requested by IRCC)
- Proof of payment ($155 work permit fee + $85 biometrics if applicable)
Processing Time: 2-4 weeks for most straightforward T13 applications; can be faster for urgent cases.
Option B: Port of Entry Application
If you are visa-exempt (e.g., US citizens, many European nationals) or hold a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), you may apply for your T13 work permit when entering Canada at a Port of Entry (airport, land border):
Required Documents: Same as online application (bring physical copies)
Advantages:
- Immediate processing (same day to a few hours)
- No online application fees beyond work permit fee
- Direct interaction with CBSA officer for clarification
Disadvantages:
- Risk of refusal at border without appeal rights
- Limited time to address officer concerns
- May create complications if supporting documents are incomplete
VG Immigration Recommendation: Online applications allow for more thorough preparation, tracking, and response time if IRCC requests additional documents. Port of Entry applications work best for straightforward cases with complete documentation packages.
Step 4: Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
Most applicants from Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe must provide biometrics:
- Fee: $85 CAD (included in online application payment)
- Book appointment at designated Service Canada or VAC location
- Must be completed within 30 days of biometrics request letter
- Results typically processed within 1-2 weeks
Biometrics Exemptions: US citizens, returning workers who provided biometrics in last 10 years, certain age groups.
Step 5: Medical Examination (If Required)
IRCC requires medical exams for work permits exceeding 6 months or for occupations involving:
- Healthcare (doctors, nurses, medical lab workers, paramedics)
- Childcare (daycare workers, nannies, early childhood educators)
- Primary/secondary education (teachers, teaching assistants)
Process:
- IRCC will send instructions with list of approved panel physicians
- Book appointment with designated doctor
- Exam typically costs $200-450 CAD (not covered by IRCC)
- Results submitted directly by physician to IRCC electronically
- Valid for 12 months from exam date
Step 6: Decision and Work Permit Issuance
Approval:
- IRCC sends approval letter (if applying online from outside Canada) or work permit (if inside Canada)
- Approval letter used to obtain work permit at Port of Entry upon arrival in Canada
- Work permit includes: employer name, occupation, location, expiry date, conditions
Refusal:
- IRCC sends refusal letter with reasons
- Common reasons: incomplete documentation, employer non-compliance concerns, medical/security issues, province withdrew nomination
- Can request reconsideration (if error) or reapply (if documents can be improved)
- VG Immigration Services can assess refusal and recommend best recourse
Step 7: Begin Employment and Maintain Compliance
Once your T13 work permit is issued:
✅ Work only for the employer named on permit
✅ Perform duties within the NOC code and job description from nomination
✅ Ensure wage and conditions match nomination certificate
✅ Maintain copies of pay stubs, T4 slips, and employment records (critical for CEC applications)
✅ Report any significant changes (employer address, wage increases, etc.) to province if required
✅ Track work hours carefully — 1,560 hours (30 hours/week × 52 weeks) = 1 year full-time for CEC
Contact us for ongoing T13 compliance support and documentation strategies.
Duration, Extensions, and Renewals
Initial T13 Work Permit Duration
T13 permits are typically issued for:
- Up to 3 years — Most common duration, aligning with typical PR processing timelines
- Matches passport validity — Cannot exceed passport expiry date
- Matches job offer duration — If employer offers 18-month contract, permit limited to 18 months
Strategic Consideration: Request maximum duration (3 years if job offer supports it) to minimize extension applications and maintain stable status during PR processing.
Extending Your T13 Work Permit
If your permanent residence application is still processing when your T13 permit nears expiry, you can apply for an extension:
Eligibility:
- Provincial nomination still valid (not withdrawn or expired)
- Same employer and job
- Continued intent to apply for/await PR approval
Application Process:
- Apply online at least 30 days before current permit expires (90 days recommended)
- Employer must submit new/updated offer via Employer Portal with T13 code
- Pay $155 work permit extension fee + $230 employer compliance fee
- Provide proof of ongoing PR application processing (IRCC acknowledgment letter, application number)
Maintained Status: If you apply for extension before your current permit expires, you can continue working under the same conditions while awaiting decision (maintained status under R186).
Processing Time: 2-6 weeks for T13 extensions (similar to initial applications).
What Happens When You Receive Permanent Residence?
Once IRCC approves your permanent residence application:
- Your T13 work permit becomes void upon becoming a permanent resident
- You no longer need employer-specific authorization
- You can work for any employer in any occupation across Canada
- Spouse’s open work permit also becomes void (both are now permanent residents)
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) Landing: For in-Canada PR applicants, you’ll complete a virtual landing or in-person appointment to finalize PR status.
Fees Associated with T13 Work Permits
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Who Pays | When Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Processing Fee | $155 | Applicant | With online application or at POE |
| Employer Compliance Fee | $230 | Employer | When submitting offer via Employer Portal |
| Biometrics | $85 | Applicant | With online application (if required) |
| Medical Examination | $200-450 | Applicant | Paid directly to panel physician |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 | Applicant | During PR application (separate from T13) |
| Provincial Nomination Fee | Varies by province ($0-$1,750) | Applicant | During PNP application (before T13 stage) |
Total Typical Cost for T13 Application: $385-$470 CAD (work permit + biometrics, if required), plus employer’s $230 compliance fee.
Fee Exemptions: Very limited for T13. Some provinces waive employer compliance fees in specific circumstances, but this is uncommon.
Common Issues and How VG Immigration Services Solves Them
Issue 1: Provincial Support Letter Missing or Inadequate
Problem: Employer submits T13 application without proper provincial support letter, or letter doesn’t clearly reference R204(c) exemption.
VG Solution: We coordinate directly with provincial PNP offices to obtain correctly formatted support letters, ensuring they include all IRCC-required elements: nomination confirmation, job details, explicit T13 authorization statement.
Issue 2: Employer Refuses to Pay $230 Compliance Fee
Problem: Employer expects nominee to cover all fees, including the employer-specific compliance fee, which violates IRCC regulations.
VG Solution: We educate employers on IRCC compliance requirements and the strong return on investment: T13 eliminates $1,000 LMIA fee, months of recruitment advertising, and wage risk. The $230 fee is minimal compared to LMIA alternatives. We also draft employer letters explaining benefits and addressing concerns.
Issue 3: Job Duties or NOC Code Changed Since Nomination
Problem: Employer modifies job responsibilities after PNP nomination, creating mismatch between nomination certificate and current work.
VG Solution: We assess whether changes are material (requiring new nomination) or minor (can be explained). For material changes, we guide clients through provincial notification processes and, if necessary, new nomination applications. For minor changes, we draft detailed letters explaining consistency with original nomination intent.
Issue 4: T13 Permit Expiring Before PR Approval
Problem: PR processing takes longer than anticipated; T13 work permit nearing expiry with no COPR yet received.
VG Solution: We proactively monitor PR timelines and initiate T13 extension applications 90 days before expiry. We also liaise with IRCC to expedite PR processing where grounds exist (e.g., medical passed, security cleared, final stages) and prepare bridging open work permit applications as backup plans.
Issue 5: Spouse Open Work Permit Delayed or Refused
Problem: Principal applicant receives T13 quickly, but spouse’s open work permit application faces delays or refusal.
VG Solution: We ensure spouse applications are submitted simultaneously with comprehensive evidence of relationship genuineness, principal’s T13 status, and spouse’s eligibility. If refused, we assess grounds (often insufficient relationship proof or concerns about principal’s status) and prepare reconsideration requests or new applications with strengthened evidence.
T13 Work Permits and the Path to Permanent Residence
Building Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Eligibility
One of the most powerful aspects of T13 work permits is that they count toward Canadian Experience Class requirements for Express Entry:
CEC Minimum Requirements:
- At least 12 months (1,560 hours) of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled Canadian work experience
- Experience must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Must have been gained in Canada with valid work authorization (T13 qualifies)
- Within the last 3 years before applying to Express Entry
Why This Matters: Many PNP nominees use T13 to work in Canada while their provincial nomination-linked PR application is processed. If that application faces delays or if the nominee wants to maximize CRS points, the T13 work experience becomes dual-purpose:
- Maintains legal status and income during PR processing
- Builds CEC-eligible hours for standalone Express Entry application if needed
Real VG Client Example:
Client received OINP Human Capital Priorities nomination in March 2024. Applied for PR in April 2024. Obtained T13 work permit in May 2024. Worked full-time as software developer (NOC 21232, TEER 1) on T13 for 14 months. When PR processing stalled in mid-2025, client created Express Entry profile using CEC stream. With bachelor’s degree, CLB 9 English, 1 year+ Canadian experience, and sibling in Canada, CRS score was 562 — well above the January 2026 CEC draw cut-off of 509. Received ITA in January 2026 draw; PR approved within 4 months through CEC rather than waiting for delayed PNP-linked application.
Express Entry Points Boost from T13 Work
Under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), Canadian work experience provides:
| Canadian Work Experience | CRS Points (Single) | CRS Points (With Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 40 | 35 |
| 2 years | 53 | 46 |
| 3+ years | 64 | 56 |
Additional Points from Skill Transferability:
- Canadian experience + foreign experience: Up to 50 points
- Canadian experience + education: Up to 50 points
2026 Context: With CEC draws hitting 509 CRS in January 2026 (down from 533-534 in late 2025), T13 workers with even modest profiles can now qualify:
Example Profile (CRS 515):
- Age 29: 100 points
- Bachelor’s degree: 120 points
- CLB 8 English: 96 points
- 1 year T13 Canadian work: 40 points
- Canadian education (if applicable): +15-30 points
- Transferability (work + education): 25-50 points
- Total: 510-540 CRS → Eligible for recent draws
Book an appointment to calculate your CRS and plan T13-to-Express Entry strategy.
Conclusion: Why T13 is the Smart Choice for Provincial Nominees
The T13 work permit represents one of the most efficient, cost-effective, and strategically valuable immigration tools available to provincial nominees in 2026. By eliminating LMIA requirements, shortening processing times to weeks instead of months, and providing immediate work authorization with family benefits, T13 permits allow skilled workers to begin their Canadian lives while permanent residence applications are processed.
At VG Immigration Services Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how T13 work permits transform timelines for our clients — from Toronto tech workers with OINP nominations to healthcare professionals nominated by Maritime provinces. With proper documentation, strategic planning, and proactive compliance management, T13 permits not only bridge the gap to permanent residence but often accelerate it through dual-pathway strategies involving Express Entry CEC.
Ready to start your T13 application?
👉 Contact us for a comprehensive T13 eligibility assessment
👉 Book an appointment to begin your application today
📧 immigration@vgis.ca
📞 +1 (416) 578-9269
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VG Immigration Services Inc. — Your trusted partner for T13 work permits, provincial nominations, and permanent residence in Canada.