What are LMIA Exempt Work Permits?

LMIA Exempt Work Permits help the candidates to work in Canada without LMIA. As you know, Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA is a special document issued by the ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada). A positive LMIA report proves that hiring a foreign national for a particular role by a Canadian employer will not have any adverse effect on the labour market of Canada. It also symbolises that no other Canadian citizen or permanent resident was qualified to fulfil the responsibilities that the job required. It is mandatory for Canadian employers to provide their foreign recruits with a copy of a positive LMIA report such that the candidates can apply for a closed (employer-specific) work permit. However, there are also specific instances where an applicant does not need an LMIA. These are such as the IEC, business visitor programs, CUSMA, CETA and other similar programs.

Under what circumstances can you obtain LMIA Exempt Work Permits?

If you are wondering about how to apply for LMIA exempt work permits, you need to keep certain things in mind. There are only a few conditions that will indeed allow the applicant to receive LMIA-exemption.

• Certain eligible applicants who applied for permanent residency in Canada
• A foreign worker with no funds or ways to support daily expenses
• Eligible in regards to humanitarian and compassionate grounds
• Refugee Claimants

As a matter of fact, there are other ways of becoming suitable for LMIA-exempt. You can start by choosing higher education in Canada. The Post Graduate Work Permit or PGWP is considered to be an LMIA-exempt work permit. This program provides the candidate opportunities to earn Canadian work experience. The candidate can obtain it soon after the completion of their study program. However, for a Closed LMIA-exempt work permit, the applicant must provide and show valid proof of their job offer.