An LMIA Filed in a Priority Occupation, Unaffected by the Unemployment Rate: A Work Permit Secured as the Working Holiday Visa Ran Out｜Ms. S
Date Posted:November 3, 2025
Last Updated:September 24, 2026
Shiraishi VisaJP Canada supports LMIA-based work permit applications, including for occupations exempt from Canada’s regional unemployment rate requirement. In this case, we share the story of Ms. S, who, as her working holiday visa was running out, was referred by her employer and secured a work permit as a seafood plant worker in about six and a half months with our support.
They advised me not only about the visa but also about permanent residence and insurance going forward, which was a great help.
LMIA Work Permit
Seafood Plant Worker
Working Holiday Visa
Greater Vancouver
About 6.5 months
Key Points from the Consultant
Ms. S was referred to us by her employer and came to us about this visa, and we began with a consultation.
Her occupation is one of the priority occupations for LMIA purposes — one for which an LMIA can be filed regardless of the unemployment rate — so after settling on a plan in the consultation, she contracted with us to file the LMIA work permit application on her behalf.
As she notes in her own comment, less than a month remained on her visa when she signed. Filing in the usual order would never have made it in time, so we adjusted the sequence of the applications. The rush meant she had to gather the required documents at great speed, which must have been hard work, but she got everything together before the deadline and we filed.
We reached the visa without major problems, exactly according to the plan set out in the consultation, and our whole team is delighted.
Immigration Consultant
Born in Japan. Worked as a registered dietitian in hospitals and other facilities. Moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2001 on a Working Holiday. Later utilized her professional background to obtain a work visa, then Canadian permanent residency as a skilled worker. Studied Oil and Gas Administration at a college in Alberta, then worked at a U.S.-based oil company. Later studied accounting and transitioned into an accounting role.
Client Comments
Why did you decide to immigrate to Canada?
I left the company I had worked at for nine years since graduating because I wanted to take on a challenge in a new environment and study the language.
What made you choose Shiraishi VisaJP Canada?
When I spoke to the company I was working for, they introduced me to Shiraishi VisaJP Canada and arranged for them to take my case.
What was the most memorable part of the process?
I applied for a working holiday visa at the very last age I could, so my only option for a second year was an RO visa (a second working holiday), and I missed out on the first-come-first-served allocation. With less than two months left on my visa, I had half given up on staying. But your quick response meant I could apply for an LMIA work permit and stay after all — that was the biggest thing.
How was your experience using Shiraishi VisaJP Canada’s services?
They were very kind and thorough. They advised me not only about the visa but also about permanent residence and insurance going forward, which was a great help.
Future outlook and a message for those planning to travel to Canada
I had always done everything myself — the working holiday application, tax returns and so on — but I learned how important it is to consult a professional early when you feel unsure. Precisely when you are inclined to look something up and act on it immediately, talking it over with someone lets you take a surer step forward.
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