LMIA Exempt Work Permits

The need for LMIA is waived in below situations:

• International Agreements such as NAFTA, Canada-Chille FTA, Canada Peru FTA, Canada-Columbia FTA.
• Intra-Company Transferees: Transferees must be considered executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers, and must work for a foreign company with a qualifying relationship to the company in Canada.
• International Exchange Programs: Such as International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa, Student Co-op programs, Young Professionals programs, and teacher exchange programs. These programs are exempt from the need for a LMIA. This program is designed for young individuals between 18 - 35 to come to Canada and work on a temporary basis (1 or 2 years).
• Dependents Of Foreign Workers: Spouses and children of Foreign Workers holding a Canadian work permit for a skilled position (NOC 0,A and B) do not require a LMIA when applying for an Open Work Permit (OWP).
• Religious workers: A foreign national may work in Canada without a LMIA when the main duties are “spiritual”.
• Academics: This includes researchers, guest lecturers, and visiting professors.