LMIA-exempt work permits
Work permits issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) that do not require an LMIA because the foreign worker's employment provides significant economic, cultural, or reciprocal benefits to Canada.
Who this pathway suits
Intra-company transferees, international agreement professionals (CUSMA/USMCA, CETA, CPTPP), Francophone workers, and researchers.
Eligibility at a glance
- Qualify under an IMP exemption code (e.g., C10 Significant Benefit, C12 Intra-company Transferee, Mobilité Francophone, Trade Agreements)
- Employer pays CAD $230 employer compliance fee and submits offer of employment via the IRCC Employer Portal
How the process works
- Employer submits offer via IRCC Employer Portal
- Employer obtains 'A' number
- Foreign national submits work permit application citing exemption code
- Permit approved rapidly without ESDC review
Documents you will typically need
- Offer of Employment 'A' number, corporate transfer documentation, degree certificates, employment contracts
What to keep in mind
Significantly faster processing than LMIA routes because federal ESDC labour market advertising is not required.
Official source: IRCC — International Mobility Program. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.
Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for LMIA-exempt work permits
Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.
Supporting Tools & Verification Checklists
Supporting Briefings & Advisory Articles
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Comparable Pathways Across Other Destinations
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Open work permits
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