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LMIA Exempt Work Permits – International Mobility Program
Table of Contents
What is the International Mobility Program?
Employers can hire temporary workers from abroad through the International Mobility Program without submitting a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Offers of employment are typically submitted using the Employer Portal. This will allow the foreign national apply for a work permit.
What does LMIA Exempt mean?
This means that a foreign national wishing to work in Canada does not have to obtain LMIA from ESDC in order to be eligible for employment in Canada. This criteria for issuing this LMIA exempt facility to foreign nationals must result in broad economic and culture benefit.
Which international treaties are exempt from LMIA under the IMP?
Foreign nationals applying for a work permit in Canada under the following:
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
FTA between Canada-Colombia / Canada-Korea / Canada-Peru / Canada Chile
What other categories are exempt from the LMIA under the IMP?
Significant Benefit Category
Another category that qualifies for LMIA exemption is the strong social and cultural value that the foreign worker can provide to Canadians and permanent residents.
Intra-Company Transfer Program
The Intra-Company Transfer Program is likewise exempt from LMIA, allowing Canadian businesses with a subsidiary or branch outside of Canada to transfer their employees.
