LMIA Exempt Work Permit
Most of the work permits in Canada require a positive LMIA.
A positive LMIA is often needed if foreign national wants to apply for a work permit, however, some exceptions are there.
There are three types of Canadian work permits:
- Closed Work Permits
- Open Work Permits
- Closed LMIA-exempt Work Permits
Closed work permits are the ones that require positive LMIA. Those foreign workers with positive LMIA are supposed to work at the place and location mentioned in the LMIA.
On the other hand, open work permit allows foreign workers to work at any place and with any employer, anywhere in Canada.
The last ones are Closed LMIA-exempt Work Permits. They give the opportunity to foreign workers to work for a specific employer at a specific place but do need LMIA.
This exemption can only be granted if the employer is able to show that the foreign worker will bring social and economical benefits to Canada. This includes
- Artists
- Self-employed engineers
- Intra-company transferees having specialized knowledge
Reciprocal Employment
In this exemption, foreign nationals are allowed to work in Canada in those specific industries where Canadians are also working in different countries.
For example,
- Professor and students who participate in exchange programs.
- Professional coaches working with different Canadian teams.
ENTREPRENEURS & SELF-EMPLOYED
Those foreign nationals who want to run their own business in Canada need to prove that their business will be beneficial for the growth and prosperity if Canada and its citizens. These kinds of people can get exemptions from LMIA.
INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFEREES
Multinational companies can transfer their employees to Canada without requiring LMIA.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
This program allows youth from all over the world to come travel and work in Canada without requiring LMIA.
FRENCH-SPEAKING SKILLED WORKERS
Those foreign skilled workers who can speak French and have a job offer in any province outside of Quebec don’t require LMIA.
MINISTER-DESIGNATED EXEMPTIONS
- This exemption is only at the discretion of the Minister of Immigration.
- This includes researchers and guest lecturers which are sponsored through some recognized federal programs. This also includes medical residents who have received different awards through institutions in Canada.