LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
LMIA-exempt work permits allow Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without first obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) when doing so supports Canada’s broader economic, social, or cultural priorities under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Under the IMP, employers can hire workers without an LMIA in many situations, including where the worker is eligible for an open work permit—such as certain post-graduation work permit holders, spouses and partners of international students and workers, or International Experience Canada participants—or where they qualify for an employer-specific work permit under specific LMIA exemptions. Examples include French-speaking workers hired outside Quebec, performers, and participants in reciprocal agreements or international arrangements. Employers must still meet requirements such as submitting an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and complying with employment and wage conditions.
Cohen Visa advises employers and foreign workers on eligibility under the International Mobility Program, applicable LMIA exemptions, documentation, and compliance obligations to support efficient LMIA-exempt work permit applications and temporary immigration planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LMIA-exempt work permits
The IMP is the framework through which Canada issues many LMIA-exempt work permits—where hiring a foreign worker is recognized as supporting Canada’s economic, social, or cultural interests without a prior Labour Market Impact Assessment. Eligibility depends on the specific exemption or work permit category.
An open work permit is not tied to one named employer (subject to conditions). An employer-specific work permit authorizes work for a particular employer, with details such as occupation and location. Many LMIA-exempt employer-specific permits still require an offer of employment and compliance with IMP requirements.
Examples include certain permits under international agreements, intra-company transferees, French-speaking skilled workers hired outside Quebec, participants in reciprocal youth mobility programs, some humanitarian or public-policy streams, and other categories expressly exempt under regulations. The right category depends on citizenship, role, and facts.
Yes. Employers typically submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal when required, pay compliance fees where applicable, comply with wage and employment conditions, and remain subject to inspection and compliance reviews. Cohen Visa advises on portal steps and ongoing obligations.
Eligibility for spouses and dependents varies by the principal applicant’s permit category and other factors. Some spouses may qualify for open work permits. We recommend professional advice for your file.
We map workers and employers to the correct IMP exemption, prepare offers of employment and applications, align documentation with IRCC expectations, and support temporary immigration planning alongside compliance and longer-term options.