Citizens from These Countries Can Apply for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in Canada
Ottawa, Canada — Citizens from countries that have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada may now benefit from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permit, allowing easier and faster access to job opportunities in Canada. These special provisions allow certain foreign workers to bypass the more complex LMIA process, streamlining their path to temporary work in Canada.
What Is an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is normally required to prove that hiring a foreign worker won’t harm the Canadian job market. However, if you’re from a country that has signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada, you may qualify for a work permit without needing an LMIA.
This offers a faster, more affordable, and less complicated route to working legally in Canada.
Eligible Countries and Trade Agreements
Here’s a breakdown of which countries are eligible and under which trade agreement:
- CETA (Canada–EU): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
- CPTPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership): Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam.
- CUSMA (North America): United States, Mexico.
- CCFTA: Chile.
- CCoFTA: Colombia.
Each agreement includes various eligibility categories, and different documentation or qualifications may apply.
Main Work Permit Categories by FTA
1. Professionals
Applicants must have a job offer in an approved occupation, meet education and credential requirements, and in most cases, possess relevant licenses or certifications.
2. Intra-Company Transferees
These are executives, managers, or skilled workers being transferred within the same multinational company to a Canadian branch.
3. Investors and Traders
These applicants must demonstrate substantial trade activity or investments between their home country and Canada.
4. Technicians (CETA and CPTPP only)
Workers with technical skills, degrees, and relevant job experience may qualify, depending on their home country’s agreement.
Country-Specific Agreement Examples
United States & Mexico – CUSMA
- Eligible Occupations: Over 60 professions such as engineers, scientists, teachers, accountants.
- Permit Duration: 1–3 years, renewable.
- No LMIA required
European Union – CETA
- Includes roles for professionals, intra-company transferees, investors, and technologists.
- Permit Duration: Up to 24 months, depending on the category.
Indo-Pacific Nations – CPTPP
- Countries like Japan, Australia, and Singapore can access work permits as professionals, technicians, or investors.
- Permit Duration: 1–3 years
Chile – CCFTA
- Eligible for work as professionals, intra-company transferees, or traders.
- Permit Duration: 1–5 years, depending on category
Colombia – CCoFTA
- Allows entry as a professional, technician, or investor with matching credentials and training.
- Permit Duration: 1–3 years
How to Apply for an FTA Work Permit
Employer Responsibilities
- Submit the job offer through the Employer Portal.
- Pay the $230 employer compliance fee.
- Provide the worker with an offer of employment number.
Worker Responsibilities
- Confirm eligibility under the correct FTA and category.
- Review Canada’s official instruction guide for your agreement.
- Gather required documents (degrees, licenses, work experience, etc.).
- Pay the $155 work permit application fee (plus $85 biometrics fee if required).
- Submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Processing Time: Typically between 3 weeks to 5 months, depending on the country.
Final Notes
While meeting eligibility requirements gives you the right to apply, the final decision rests with a Canadian immigration officer. All applicants must be admissible to Canada—meaning they meet health, security, and legal standards.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
