LMIA EXEMPT Work Permit
Work
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in Canada
In Canada, certain types of work permits are exempt from the requirement of a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document that an employer must obtain to demonstrate that they have attempted to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents but were unable to find a suitable candidate, and therefore need to hire a foreign worker.
The LMIA exemption is provided in order to facilitate the entry of foreign workers who can bring significant economic and social benefits to Canada.
There are several categories of LMIA-exempt work permits, including:
Intra-Company Transfer:
This category applies to employees who are being transferred from a foreign company to a Canadian branch of the same company. The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year before being transferred to Canada, and must be taking on a similar or related position in the Canadian branch.
NAFTA Professionals:
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), certain professionals from Canada, the United States, and Mexico can enter each other’s countries to work. This category applies to professionals who are coming to Canada to work in one of the designated professions listed in NAFTA, such as architects, engineers, and management consultants.
International Experience Canada (IEC):
The IEC program allows young people from certain countries to come to Canada for a working holiday, or to gain professional work experience. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 (or 30 for some countries), and must apply for one of three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op.
Spousal Open Work Permit:
This category applies to spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are in Canada on certain types of visas. The open work permit allows the spouse or partner to work in any job, for any employer, and does not require an LMIA.
Post-Graduation Work Permit:
This category applies to international students who have completed a program of study at a Canadian post-secondary institution. The permit allows them to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their program.
Bridging Open Work Permit:
This category allows individuals who have applied for permanent residency but have not yet received a decision to obtain an open work permit, allowing them to continue working in Canada while their application is being processed.
Other LMIA-Exempt Categories:
There are several other categories of LMIA-exempt work permits, including those issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP). The IMP covers a wide range of work permit categories, including those for researchers, performing artists, and participants in international events.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
Under the IMP, there are several categories of work permits that are exempt from LMIA requirements. These include:
- Work permits for researchers, including those involved in academic research and research conducted by private industry
- Work permits for performing artists, including those who are part of a foreign production coming to Canada, or who are performing at a Canadian venue or festival
- Work permits for individuals participating in international events, such as sports competitions, conferences, and cultural events
- Work permits for individuals participating in international events, such as sports competitions, conferences, and cultural events
- Work permits for individuals who are covered by international agreements, such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
To apply for an LMIA-exempt work permit, applicants must meet the specific eligibility requirements for their category and provide all necessary supporting documents. The application process varies depending on the category and can be done online or through a Canadian visa office.
It is important to note that even though these work permits are LMIA-exempt, they still require a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. It is also important to ensure that all requirements are met and that the application is complete and accurate to avoid any delays or potential refusals