Work Permit Canada
LMIA & LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Explained
If you want to work in Canada or hire a foreign worker, you’ll quickly run into the term LMIA – Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- For many jobs, employers must first get an LMIA under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) before a work permit can be issued.
- In other cases, you may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP), or even as a work-permit-exempt business visitor.
What is an LMIA
A positive LMIA confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a gap in the labour market. Also, it confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do that job.
The LMIA is usually required before IRCC can issue an employer-specific work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), to verify that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive effect on the local labour market.
LMIA vs. LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
LMIA-based work permits – Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Employer must obtain an LMIA from ESDC.
- Prove to Service Canada that it is not possible to find a Canadian or PR who can fulfil the necessary role in the company.
- Streams include high-wage, low-wage, agriculture, seasonal agriculture, caregiver and others.
LMIA-exempt work permits – International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Employer does not need an LMIA, but;
- Typically must submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee, and
- Worker still needs a work permit, unless they are work-permit-exempt (e.g., business visitors).
When Employers Need an LMIA
An LMIA is needed, if:
- The worker will be on Canadian payroll
- The role is ongoing work, not just a short visit
- The position is not clearly covered by an IMP exemption (trade agreements, intra-company transfer, etc.)
If approved, ESDC issues a positive (or neutral) LMIA, which is needed to apply for a work permit.
LMIA Streams
High-wage positions
- Advertisement required
- Offered median wage is at or above provincial high-wage threshold
- Employer must submit a Transition Plan
Low-wage positions
- Longer advertisement period is required
- Offered median wage below the provincial high-wage threshold
- Subject to caps and unemployment rates limitations
Agricultural streams
- Shorter advertisement period
- Agricultural Stream with sector-specific rules
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) for short term workers from specific countries
Visa4you provides expert guidance to employers in selecting the most suitable immigration pathway and prepares the application for submission.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Under the International Mobility Program (IMP), many work permits are LMIA-exempt if they provide significant benefit to Canada or fall under international agreements.
Common LMIA-exempt categories (examples):
- Intra-Company Transferees (ICT)
- Trade-agreement categories
- Significant benefits
- Francophone Mobility & other public policies
Important: LMIA-exempt does not mean work-permit-exempt, you always still need a work permit, but no LMIA.
From LMIA to Work Permit
1
LMIA Application
Visa4you
supports employers with applications in the right stream, advertisements and meeting employer compliance.
2
ESDC Assessment
ESDC assesses the application for completeness, impacts in the local labour market and economic viability of the position.
3
LMIA Decision
Once a positive decision is rendered, ESDC issues an LMIA approval to the employer.
4
Work Permit Application
With the positive LMIA from the employer and the job offer letter, the worker can apply for a work permit with IRCC.
LMIA-Exempt?
For LMIA-exempt work permits, you skip the LMIA step but the employer has to:
- Explain why the position and worker meet an International Mobility Program (IMP) category,
- Submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal, and
- Pay an employer compliance fee before the worker can apply for a work permit with IRCC
Why Choose Visa4you?
- Canada Specialists – We track TFWP updates, wage thresholds, LMIA rules and IMP exemptionson an ongoing basis.
- Employer + Worker Focus – We support employers, HR teams and individual workers, clarifying who really needs an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt permit.
- Compliance-First Approach – We help you align job descriptions, wages, recruitment and documentation with current TFWP and IMP expectations.
- Multilingual service – Advice in English, German and Dutch, online or in-person.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but many work permits are LMIA-required under the TFWP. Others are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program (IMP), for example, intra-company transferees, some trade-agreement professionals and certain entrepreneurs.
For most workers, LMIA Canada means your employer has proven to ESDC that they couldn’t find a Canadian or PR for your role and received a positive LMIA, which you then use to apply for an employer-specific work permit.
- LMIA-required – Employer must get an LMIA, often with advertising, caps and wage rules; permits are employer-specific under TFWP.
- LMIA-exempt – No LMIA, but job must fit an IMP exemption (trade agreements, ICT, significant benefit, Francophone Mobility, etc.), and a work permit is still required.
Need Clarity on LMIA or LMIA-Exempt Options in Canada?
Whether you are hiring international talent or have received a job offer, selecting the right pathway is key to a smooth process.
Share your role, position details, and timeline, and we will assess whether an LMIA, an LMIA-exempt work permit, or an alternative pathway is most suitable, and Visa4you guides you through each step.
