WORK IN CANADA
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
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What it is
Under the International Mobility Program, some work permits skip the LMIA because the work benefits Canada or is covered by an international agreement. They are often faster, but the exemption has to be proven.
Who is eligible
The main routes are:
- Intra-company transfers: executives, managers and specialized staff moving to a Canadian branch, generally after a year of full-time work with the company abroad
- Significant benefit (C-10): work that brings clear economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada
- Business owners (C-11): entrepreneurs running a business that creates real benefit, such as jobs for Canadians
- Trade agreements: professionals under CUSMA and other agreements
- Francophone Mobility: French-speaking workers hired outside Quebec
In each case, the employer submits the job offer through the Employer Portal and pays a $230 compliance fee before you apply.
Find out which exemption fits your case. Book a 30-minute consultation.
Service information supplied by Visazone · October 24, 2026. Program requirements can change; confirm the requirements that apply to your circumstances.
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