Work Permit

These programs are designed to address labour shortages while protecting opportunities for Canadian workers.

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LMIA-Based Work Permits

 

Many foreign workers must obtain a work permit supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA process is designed to confirm that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on the Canadian labour market and that no qualified Canadian workers are available to fill the position.

 

To obtain an LMIA, employers must typically demonstrate that they have actively attempted to recruit Canadians or permanent residents and that the employment offered meets prevailing wage and working condition standards. Once a positive LMIA is issued, the foreign national may apply to IRCC for a work permit tied to the specific employer, position, and location.

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LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

 

In contrast, certain foreign nationals may obtain work permits without an LMIA when their employment provides broader economic, cultural, or reciprocal benefits to Canada. These permits are issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

 

The IMP facilitates the entry of foreign workers whose employment aligns with Canada’s international obligations, public policy objectives, or reciprocal agreements. Examples include professionals entering Canada under international trade agreements such as the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, intra-company transferees working for multinational companies, and individuals whose work is considered to provide a significant benefit to Canada.

Certain LMIA-exempt permits are also open work permits, allowing individuals to work for any employer in Canada rather than being tied to a single employer. These include work permits issued to eligible spouses of foreign workers or students and post-graduation work permits granted to international students.

 

At Elite Law Corporation, we carefully assess both the applicant and the employer to determine whether the position may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit under programs administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

 

Our review includes identifying potential exemptions under the International Mobility Program, such as Francophone Mobility, intra-company transferees, entrepreneurs or self-employed business owners, or other exemption codes available under international agreements to which Canada is a signatory, including the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. This assessment helps ensure that the most appropriate and efficient pathway is identified before pursuing a work permit application.