Experience Canada Through Visits - Studies - Work

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

There are several sub-categories within each LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt category. It's crucial to understand the requirements of each type and prepare accordingly when submitting the application to the Canadian immigration authorities.

LMIA-BASED WORK PERMIT

KEY FEATURES & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Employers must obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to demonstrate the need to hire a foreign worker.

• Job Offer: Requires a valid job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA.

• Duration: Varies based on the LMIA and employment offer, typically up to two years.

CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

• Employer-Specific: Limited to working for the employer specified on the LMIA and work permit.

• Job Restrictions: Limited to the job specified on the LMIA and work permit.

LMIA-REQUIRED WORK PERMIT TYPES

• High-wage positions

• Low-wage positions

• Agricultural workers (seasonal, non-seasonal, high-wage, low-wage)

• Caregivers for children or high medical needs individuals

• Academics at degree-granting post-secondary institutions

• Global Talent Stream for highly skilled workers at innovative firms.

LMIA-EXEMPT WORK PERMIT

KEY FEATURES & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Duration: The duration of LMIA-exempt work permits can vary depending on the specific exemption category and may range from a few months to several years.

• Processing Time: Some LMIA-exempt Work Permit may be favoured with faster processing time.

• Specific Category: Must meet the requirements of the specific LMIA-exempt category (e.g., NAFTA Professional, Intra-Company Transfer).

CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

• Category-Specific: Must adhere to the conditions and restrictions of the specific LMIA-exempt category.

• Job Restrictions: LMIA-exempt work permits may have specific job restrictions or conditions depending on the exemption category.

LMIA-EXEMPT WORK PERMIT TYPES

• International Agreements: Available under international agreements such as NAFTA, CETA, or GATS.

• Intra-Company Transfers: For employees with specialized knowledge or in managerial roles of multinational companies transferring to a Canadian branch.

• Spousal Work Permits: Spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers or international students may be eligible for an open work permit without the need for an LMIA.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions may be eligible for an open work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, which is LMIA-exempt.

• Canadian Interests: Significant economic or cultural benefit contribution.

• Federal-Provincial Agreements: For significant investment projects.

• Designated by the Minister: Particular competitiveness and public policy reasons.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Ready to embark on your Canadian work adventure? Don't let the complexities of LMIA-required and LMIA-exempt work permits hold you back. Contact us today for a consultation with our knowledgeable immigration practitioners and let us guide you towards a successful work permit approval in Canada.