Every year, thousands of foreign skilled professionals immigrate to Canada by getting the Canada Work Permit to gain international work experience. Obtaining an LMIA-exempt work permit is one of the main routes to employment in Canada.
Foreign applicants can work in Canada with these work permits without requiring an LMIA. Hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the Canadian labour market, according to these work permits. Yet, some international agreements provide LMIA-exempt work permits for the citizens of certain nations.
What is an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit?
An LMIA-exempt work permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without the requirement for a Canadian employer to apply for an LMIA. This exemption is usually granted under foreign agreements that Canada has established with other countries. These agreements aim to promote economic cooperation, trade, and mobility between Canada and its partners.
Which International agreements facilitate LMIA-exempt work permits?
Canada has established numerous international agreements that facilitate work permits exempt from the LMIA. Some of the major contracts include:
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
Before it was renamed, the CUSMA used to be referred to as NAFTA. Businesspeople from the United States and Mexico are permitted to enter Canada under CUSMA temporarily. Citizens of these countries can be eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits in some of the following categories:
- Professionals: Those with a verified job offer in an eligible occupation that demands a university degree or its equivalent.
- Intra-Company Transferees: Senior managers, executives, or specialised knowledge workers relocating within a multinational firm.
Those involved in substantial business activities relating to trade or investment between Canada and their home country.
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
CETA is a Canada-European Union agreement, as well as its member states. Citizens of the member states of the European Union are eligible to apply for LMIA-exempt work permits under CETA in categories like:
- Professionals: Possessing a university degree or equivalent and having a contract to offer services within Canada.
- Intra-Company Transferees: Employees of multinational corporations transferred to a Canadian office.
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
The CPTPP is a trade agreement between Canada and a number of nations in the Asia-Pacific region. LMIA-exempt Canada work permit may be available to citizens of the CPTPP countries in a variety of categories, including professionals, traders, and investors.
Other Bilateral Agreements
Besides these, Canada has bilateral agreements with Chile, Colombia, Peru, and South Korea, whereby citizens of these nations are eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits under particular circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria of LMIA-exempt Canada Work Permit
While the specific eligibility criteria may vary based on the international agreement and the category of Canadian work permit. However, below we have listed the general eligibility criteria.
Valid Job Offer
A guaranteed job offer from a Canadian employer in a recognised occupation.
Qualifications
The employment experience, professional credentials, and education required for the role.
Admissibility
The candidate must be admissible to Canada, i.e., they should not have a criminal record and be in good health.
Temporary Duration of Employment
The job should be temporary and have a set length of time.
Application Process of LMIA-exempt Canada Work Permit
The application process for an LMIA-exempt work permit generally consists of the following steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Check the particular requirements under the applicable international agreement and work permit category.
- Gather Documentation: Get the required documents, such as proof of qualifications, a job offer letter, and admissibility evidence.
- Submit Application: Apply online or in a Canadian visa office, submitting all the necessary documents and paying any relevant fees.
- Wait for Processing: Processing may take time, so the applicants must apply very early before their planned start date.
- Receive Decision: The applicant will be granted a work permit if accepted, enabling them to work in Canada.
Conclusion
For residents of nations with whom Canada has made international agreements, the LMIA-exempt work permits offer a valuable chance to work in Canada without subjecting themselves to the intricacies of the LMIA process. Through familiarity with the particular agreements and categories under which they are eligible, individuals can better approach the application process and make use of the advantages the permits provide.
For further details and to check your eligibility, it is recommended to seek advice from Keymart Visa, a licensed Canada Immigration consultant via +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com
