In most cases, yes, you will have to submit your offer and pay the employer compliance fee using the Employer Portal before the worker can apply for a work permit.
However, there are some situations where you will not have to use the Employer Portal.
Open work permits
If you hire a temporary worker who has an open work permit, you don’t need to submit an offer of employment or pay the employer compliance fee.
An open work permit allows the permit holder to work for any Canadian employer.
Employer compliance exemptions
Some LMIA-exempt employers don’t need to submit an offer of employment in the Employer Portal or pay the employer compliance fee. Find out if you are exempt from the employer compliance process.