Useful Immigration Tips on How to work in Canada without an LMIA

A LMIA is conducted to determine whether or not bringing in a foreign worker to Canada’s labour force is worth it or not. This specific assessment can be found within the  Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Luckily, some foreign workers don’t need an LMIA  to enter the country and begin employment. All of these employees are part of the International Mobility Program (IMP). Canada’s economic, social, and cultural interests are what the IMP is all about.

Who Can Work in Canada Without an LMIA?

Foreign workers are allowed into Canada without an LMIA if they fall into one of three categories:

This category includes job occupations in the following industries/occupations:

  • IT
  • Arts and entertainment
  • Self-employed
  • Engineering
  • Specialists being transferred inside a corporation who have the expertise to benefit the Canadian economy
  • Foreign workers under Mobilité francophone
  • Entrepreneurs 
  • TV and Film Production

This category includes job occupations in the following occupations:

  • Professional athletes and their coaches who work in Canadian teams
  • Students in international youth working programs, professors, visiting speakers

This category includes job occupations in the following occupations:

  • Charity Worker
  • Religious Worker
     
Published on September 4, 2022

Table of Contents

work in Canada without an LMIA
There are 3 categories you should know that are LMIA-exempted.

Click to learn more about work visas and permits for foreigners.

Steps on How to Enter Canada without an LMIA

Step 1: Get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Getting a valid job offer from a Canadian employer would be your first step, by doing so this ensures that your job is highly needed in Canada’s labour market and your specific skills are difficult to find within locals. 

Step 2: Your Canadian employer must submit an offer

 Your Canadian employer must submit this offer of employment through the International Mobility Program (IMP)’s Employer Portal.

Step 3: You must apply for a work permit

Applying for a work permit would be your last and final step on how you can successfully work in Canada without an LMIA.

Common FAQs on Work in Canada without an LMIA

Which type of work permit does not need LMIA?

An open work permit.  This opens the door for foreign nationals to take on any job, for any Canadian business, wherever in the country. An LMIA is unnecessary for open work permits since they do not indicate a specific profession or company.

work in Canada without an LMIA
An open work permit is the best option for you if you wish to enter Canada without an LMIA!

Which province does not require LMIA in Canada?

If you apply via British Columbia’s Express Entry nomination stream, you won’t need an LMIA.

How can I get job offer without LMIA?

An LMIA is not required to support your employer’s offer of employment if:

  • You have been employed by the company under the terms of your work visa for a minimum of one year (or an equal amount of part-time work)
  • You have a valid  job offer and a work permit that exempts you from obtaining an LMIA, such as:
    – An international agreement
    – A federal-provincial agreement
    – The “Canadian interests” category

Learn more about jobs in Canada: