LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Canada
Guidance on LMIA-exempt work permits under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), including employer offer-of-employment requirements, compliance fees and common exemption categories.
What Is an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit?
An LMIA-exempt work permit lets a foreign national work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada. These permits are generally processed under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP).
“LMIA-exempt” does not mean “requirement-free.” For most employer-specific IMP work permits, the Canadian employer must still submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee (commonly CAN$230 unless an exemption applies). The portal generates an offer-of-employment number the worker needs for the work permit application.
“LMIA-exempt” does not mean “requirement-free.” For most employer-specific IMP work permits, the Canadian employer must still submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee (commonly CAN$230 unless an exemption applies). The portal generates an offer-of-employment number the worker needs for the work permit application.
LMIA-Based vs LMIA-Exempt Pathways
| Topic | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| TFWP + LMIA | Employer needs a positive/neutral LMIA before most closed work permits. |
| IMP + LMIA exemption | No LMIA, but employer usually files an IMP offer of employment in the Employer Portal. |
| Employer compliance fee | Often required for IMP employer-specific offers (verify current IRCC fee). |
| Open work permits | Some open permits (for example certain spouse/partner permits or PGWP) do not use an employer-specific LMIA process. |
| Exemption code | Each IMP category uses a specific LMIA exemption code that must match the facts of the job. |
Common LMIA-Exempt Situations We Review
- ✓ Intra-company transfers of executives, managers or specialized-knowledge workers
- ✓ Work covered by free-trade agreements and reciprocal arrangements
- ✓ Significant-benefit or policy-based exemption categories
- ✓ Employer Portal enrolment and offer-of-employment submissions
- ✓ Matching the correct exemption code to the job offer
- ✓ Worker-side work permit forms, biometrics and supporting documents
- ✓ Risk review where the role may actually require an LMIA instead
How We Support LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
01
Pathway Check
We assess whether the role truly qualifies for an LMIA exemption or needs an LMIA.
02
Employer Steps
We explain Employer Portal enrolment, offer details and compliance-fee requirements.
03
Document Package
We help organise job-offer evidence, corporate documents and worker credentials.
04
Work Permit Filing
We support the foreign worker’s application using the correct exemption details.
05
Follow-Through
We outline biometrics, processing expectations and next status steps after approval.
Official Source Notes
IRCC’s International Mobility Program pages explain how employers hire without an LMIA and when an Employer Portal offer is required. Rules, exemption codes and fees change — always confirm the current Canada.ca / IRCC instructions for your category before filing.
ICG Globe assists both employers and foreign workers. We do not guarantee work permit approvals.
ICG Globe assists both employers and foreign workers. We do not guarantee work permit approvals.
FAQS
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit FAQs
Does LMIA-exempt mean no employer paperwork?
+No. For most employer-specific IMP work permits, the employer must submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and usually pay a compliance fee.
What is the International Mobility Program?
+The IMP is IRCC’s framework for LMIA-exempt temporary work that supports Canada’s economic, social or cultural interests, including many trade and reciprocal categories.
Can every job be LMIA-exempt?
+No. Many jobs still require an LMIA under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The exemption must match a recognised category and the facts of the employment.
Who pays the employer compliance fee?
+The employer generally pays the IMP compliance fee when required. Some situations are fee-exempt under IRCC rules.
Do open work permits need an LMIA?
+Open work permits are different from employer-specific LMIA or IMP closed permits. Eligibility depends on the specific open-permit category.