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
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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.
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
