LMIA-Based Work Permits
LMIA-Exempt Categories (e.g., under international agreements)
Open Work Permit for Spouses
International Mobility Program (IMP)
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LMIA-Based Work Permits (Employer-Specific)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need before hiring a foreign worker.
Key Points:
- Employer applies for an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Proves no Canadian or PR is available for the job
- Once a positive LMIA is issued, the worker applies for a closed work permit tied to that employer
Typical Uses:
- Skilled trades
- Truck drivers
- Hospitality jobs
- Long-term job offers leading to PR (e.g., under Express Entry's FSW stream)
2. LMIA-Exempt Categories
These allow work in Canada without an LMIA, often under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Common LMIA-Exempt Scenarios:
- International Agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CPTPP, GATS)
- Reciprocal Employment (e.g., working holiday via IEC)
- Charitable/Religious Work
- Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)
- Significant Benefit to Canada (artists, academics, tech talent)
Still requires a work permit, but not an LMIA.
3. Open Work Permit for Spouses
Spouses or common-law partners of certain workers or students can get an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer.
Eligible if:
- Partner is an international student (full-time, PGWP-eligible DLI)
- Partner holds a skilled worker work permit (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job under NOC)
- PR applicants under Spousal Sponsorship (inland)
Valid usually for the same duration as the spouse’s study or work permit.
4. International Mobility Program (IMP)
The IMP allows employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA when there are broad economic, cultural, or social benefits to Canada.
Includes:
- LMIA-exempt categories (see above)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Spouse Open Work Permits
- IEC (International Experience Canada) – Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
Employers must submit the offer via the Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee.
Summary Table:
Type LMIA Needed? Employer-Specific? Examples LMIA-Based WP ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Truck drivers, cooks, welders IMP Work Permits ❌ No ❌/✅ Varies PGWP, ICT, CUSMA Open Work Permit (Spouses) ❌ No ❌ No Spouses of students/workers Working Holiday (IEC) ❌ No ❌ No Youth from partner countries -
International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) when the work brings broader economic, cultural, or other competitive advantages to Canada.
Key Features of IMP
- No LMIA required
- Faster processing compared to LMIA-based work permits
- Can be open or employer-specific permits, depending on category
- Employers must submit an offer of employment via the Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee (CAD $230), unless exempt
Common IMP Categories
- 1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- For international graduates from eligible DLIs
- Open work permit, valid up to 3 years
- 2. Intra-Company Transfers (ICT):
- For employees transferred from a foreign company to a Canadian branch
- Must hold executive/specialized knowledge or managerial roles
- 3. CUSMA (formerly NAFTA):
- For U.S. & Mexican citizens under:
- Professionals
- Traders/Investors
- Intra-company transferees
- 4. IEC – International Experience Canada:
- For youth (18–35) from partner countries
- Streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
- Open or employer-specific, depending on the stream
- 5. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP):
- For individuals awaiting PR under Express Entry or PNP
- 6. Spouse/Common-Law Partner Work Permit:
- Spouse of a student or skilled worker
- Also applies to inland spousal sponsorship applicants
- 7. Significant Benefit to Canada:
- Entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, researchers, and tech professionals
- Must show their presence brings cultural, social, or economic benefit
Employer Requirements (If Employer-Specific)
- Submit job offer via Employer Portal
- Pay CAD 230 compliance fee
- Get an Offer of Employment Number, which the worker uses to apply for their permit
Examples of Jobs Commonly Covered Under IMP
Job/Category Permit Type LMIA Needed? Graduate from DLI (PGWP) Open Work Permit ❌ U.S. Engineer under CUSMA Employer-specific ❌ Indian tech manager (ICT) Employer-specific ❌ French chef (Francophone Mobility) Employer-specific ❌ Spouse of a skilled worker Open Work Permit ❌ IMP vs LMIA Work Permit
Feature IMP LMIA-Based LMIA Required? ❌ No ✅ Yes Processing Time Faster Slower (LMIA adds step) Flexibility More (some open permits) Less (employer-specific) Employer Involvement Job offer & compliance fee Full LMIA process