In almost every case, foreign nationals applying for a work permit must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada. However, Canada offers specific programs known as International Mobility Programs that they are exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
International Mobility Programs allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals without having to process Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Canada also has bilateral and multilateral agreements with countries that facilitate the migration of foreign nationals across borders. As a result, Canada offers the following LMIA-Exempt programs.
- Significant Benefit
- Intra-Company Transferees
- International Trade Agreements
Contact us to find out if your profession qualifies.
Significant Canadian Interest
Another category that is LMIA-exempt is known as Canadian Interest as this exemption must prove that hiring a foreign national will be in the best interest of Canada and its economy. This can either be by creating reciprocal employment between Canada and other countries or by having a significant impact on Canada. IRCC has defined significant as the impact must be “important or notable.” You must demonstrate that a foreign national’s employment will have significant social or cultural benefit to Canada.
Intra-Company Transferee
Employers may transfer their employees who are foreign nationals to a subsidiary, parent or affiliate company that is located in Canada. The transfer of the foreign national will significantly improve their business, which would be beneficial for Canadians. As such, transferees must hold a managerial or executive position or must demonstrate to have specialized knowledge, proprietary knowledge and advanced expertise. The transfer of a foreign national will only be temporary.
Remember that countries that do not require a visa to travel to Canada may apply for their work permit at the port of entry.
Other LMIA-exempt work permits
- Refugee Claimants
- Persons under an Enforceable Removal Order
- Live-in-Caregiver Class
- Protected Persons
- Family Members of the Above
- Post Graduate Work Permit
- Spouses or Common-law Partner in Canada Class
- Spouses of International Students
- Destitute Students
- Holders of a Temporary Resident Permit Valid for a Minimum of Six (6) Months