LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

Covered by international aggreements

An LMIA is unnecessary for those under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Canada Columbia FTA, and Canada Peru FTA

Provincial Nominees

No LMIA is necessary if you have a job offer in the province you are nominated

Company Transfers

An employee is exempt if a Canadian company transfers them to Canada

International Exchange Program Participants

Those under an International Exchange Program are exempt as well. Programs such as Youth Exchange Programs, Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP), International Experience Canada (IEC), and the Working Holiday Visa

Academics

Those with a PhD from a Canadian university, those with a post-doctoral fellowship at a Canadian institution, and certain academics

Co-op Students

International students do not need an LMIA for their Co-op placements

Charity or Religious Workers

Foreign workers in Canada may be exempt if they are working for a charity or religious organization

Spouse and Dependents of Full-time workers and students

A spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian who sponsored them and obtained approval may be exempt, along with other dependents, such as the children of a foreign worker