A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is typically required for most Canadian work permits, but there are several exemptions that allow foreign workers to obtain a work permit without an LMIA.
Ways to Get a Work Permit Without an LMIA
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- The IMP allows employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA if the job benefits Canada’s economic, cultural, or social interests.
- Common LMIA-exempt streams under IMP include:
- Intra-Company Transfers (for employees of multinational companies relocating to a Canadian branch)
- Significant Benefit Work Permits (for individuals bringing exceptional skills to Canada)
- Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Work Permits
- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Work Permits
- Canada has trade agreements with certain countries (e.g., the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)) that allow professionals and investors to work in Canada without an LMIA.
- Eligible countries include the US, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia, South Korea, and others.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- International students who complete an eligible program at a Canadian institution can apply for a PGWP, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada without needing an LMIA.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- If you have applied for permanent residency under Express Entry or other immigration programs, you may qualify for a BOWP, which lets you continue working in Canada without an LMIA while waiting for your PR decision.
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
- Spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary foreign workers or international students in Canada can apply for an open work permit without needing an LMIA.
- Francophone Mobility Program
- If you are a French-speaking skilled worker planning to work outside Quebec, you may qualify for a work permit under the Mobilité Francophone program without an LMIA.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
- Certain farm workers from participating countries (e.g., Mexico, Caribbean nations) can work in Canada without an LMIA under government agreements.
- Open Work Permits for Vulnerable Workers
- Temporary foreign workers facing abuse or exploitation in Canada can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to switch employers without an LMIA.
How to Apply for an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
- Check your eligibility under one of the LMIA-exempt streams.
- Gather required documents, including a valid job offer, proof of eligibility, and passport details.
- Submit your application online through the IRCC portal or at a visa office outside Canada.
- Pay the required fees and wait for processing.