If you’re a citizen of a country with a Free Trade Agreement with Canada, you can qualify for a Labour Market Impact Assessment-Exempt. If you don’t qualify, you can acquire an LMIA-based work permit, which can take time and is costly.
Who is eligible for the LMIA-exempt? Continue reading to learn more.
Eligible Nationalities
Note that eligible individuals will have different requirements. Check with your immigration representative to ensure that you have the right requirements.
1. Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
CUSMA, the successor to NAFTA, is for Americans and Mexican citizens wanting to work in Canada temporarily.
Professionals: You have a confirmed job offer in an eligible CUSMA occupation and the required certifications and credentials.
Validity: Up to three years.
Intra-Company Transferees: Senior managers, executives, or specialized knowledge workers of a multinational with a business in a related field or company may be eligible. You should have been employed for at least one year before applying.
Validity: Up to five years for managers or executives and three years for specialized knowledge workers.
Investors and Traders: An executive, supervisor, or specialist with essential skills.
Validity: Up to one year.
2. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Permanent residents of countries in the Indo-Pacific may also be eligible.
Professionals: Eligible applicants are workers with two years of work experience or a four-year post-secondary degree.
Validity: Up to one year.
Intra-Company Transferees: Specialist, manager, executive, or management trainee at a multinational company planning to work in Canada in a related field. Must have at least one year of continuous employment.
Validity: Up to three years.
Investors: Eligible applicants are executives, specialized-skill employees, or supervisors wanting to invest in Canada.
Validity: Up to one year.
Technicians: Permanent residents and citizens of a CPTPP country with four years of work experience or a two-year post-secondary degree may qualify. Eligible occupations depend on where you’re based.
Validity: Up to one year.
