In short
- Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) covers most LMIA-exempt work permits, including trade agreements, company transfers, C11, Francophone Mobility, and open work permits.
- Canada plans 170,000 new LMIA-exempt work permit arrivals in 2026 and beyond under the International Mobility Program.
- The main routes: trade deals, company transfers, C11 for business owners, Francophone Mobility and open work permits.
- You still need a real employer, transfer, business, or other qualifying basis. An LMIA exemption removes the LMIA requirement, not the work permit application, eligibility test, or evidence burden.
Yes. You can work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if your job fits an exemption under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
An LMIA exemption means your employer does not need ESDC’s labour market test. It does not mean the work permit is automatic. You still need a valid offer, transfer, business, or other qualifying basis, and a complete application.
The main LMIA-exempt routes are CUSMA and other free-trade-agreement permits, intra-company transfers, C11 entrepreneur permits, Francophone Mobility, research and significant benefit permits, International Experience Canada, post-graduation work permits, and certain spousal or bridging open work permits.
One thing up front. We do not arrange jobs. This guide is for people who already have an employer, a company transfer or their own business plan, and want to know if the LMIA step can be skipped.
Your job offer is real, but the LMIA stands in the way
A job offer alone does not let you work in Canada. Unless an exemption applies, your employer needs an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before you can apply for a work permit, and ESDC charges the employer $1,000 for each position (ESDC, program requirements).
That is the problem. You have a real offer, but your employer must pay a fee and wait for a labour market test before your own application even starts. Waits differ by stream, so check ESDC’s current processing times.
Here is the good news. Many jobs never need that step. Canada built a second lane for them.
How many LMIA-exempt work permits does Canada plan each year?
Under IRCC’s current 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada plans 170,000 new arrivals each year under the International Mobility Program (IMP). The LMIA-based Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) target is 60,000 in 2026, then 50,000 in 2027 and 2028.
These are planning targets for new temporary resident arrivals. They are not application caps, approval quotas, or guarantees for any individual applicant.
Current IRCC planning targets
| Stream | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt) | 170,000 | 170,000 | 170,000 |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA-based) | 60,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| All workers | 230,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
| All new temporary residents | 385,000 | 370,000 | 370,000 |
Source: IRCC, Supplementary Information for the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
Do the math. In 2026, 170,000 of the 230,000 planned worker arrivals are under the IMP. That is about 74 percent, or roughly 3 in 4 planned worker arrivals.
This does not mean 3 in 4 work permit applications will be approved without an LMIA. It is a planning-level comparison between the IMP and TFWP targets.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is IRCC’s framework for most work permits that do not require an LMIA. It includes employer-specific permits under exemptions such as CUSMA, intra-company transfers, C11 significant benefit, and Francophone Mobility, as well as certain open work permits.
Two limits on these numbers. First, they are targets for new arrivals. They are not caps on applications, and they are not a promise to any one person. Second, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) fall under the IMP, but IRCC does not count them in the 170,000 new-arrival target because they are treated as an extension or change of status rather than a new arrival.
Total new temporary resident arrivals fall to 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 after that. The IMP target stays flat while the overall number drops. IRCC usually releases or updates its multi-year Immigration Levels Plan each fall. We review this section when a new plan is published.
What are the 8 LMIA-exempt routes?
Eight routes cover most LMIA-exempt cases, and each one turns on one deciding rule. Find yours, then test that rule against your facts.
1. CUSMA and trade agreement professionals
Citizens of the United States and Mexico may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). For CUSMA Professionals, the deciding rule is citizenship of the United States or Mexico, a qualifying profession, and a job offer that matches that profession.
CUSMA covers citizens, not U.S. green card holders or Mexican permanent residents. The applicant must also meet the requirements for the specific CUSMA category: professional, intra-company transferee, or trader/investor.
Citizens of the European Union, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) countries and others have their own agreements. Read our guides to CUSMA professionals and free trade agreement permits.
2. Intra-company transfers (C12)
A multinational company can transfer a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker to a qualifying Canadian affiliate, subsidiary, or branch without an LMIA under exemption code C12.
The core eligibility rule is at least one continuous year of full-time employment with the foreign enterprise within the three years before the application. The foreign and Canadian companies must also have a qualifying corporate relationship.
Total stay is capped at 7 years for managers and executives and 5 years for specialized knowledge workers. Our intra-company transfer guide covers the evidence officers want.
3. C11 entrepreneur work permit: significant benefit
The C11 work permit lets a business owner who wants only a temporary stay run their own Canadian business without an LMIA. The deciding rule is the significant benefit test: your business must create real economic, social or cultural benefit for Canadians.
IRCC expects you to control at least 51 percent of the business. You also need business funds kept apart from your living funds, and a plan to leave (IRCC program delivery instructions).
The Canadian company files the offer of employment in the IRCC Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee. If you want permanent residence, a different code applies. Read our entrepreneur work permit guide and our post on C11 significant benefit evidence.
4. Francophone Mobility work permit (C16)
French speakers can work outside Quebec without an LMIA under Francophone Mobility (code C16). The deciding rule is intermediate French, equal to Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 5 or higher in speaking and listening, plus a job offer outside Quebec.
Most occupations qualify, including many TEER 4 and 5 jobs, subject to IRCC’s current occupation exclusions. Confirm the eligible occupation rules before filing because program conditions can change.. The employer submits the offer in the Employer Portal and pays a $230 compliance fee (IRCC). See our Francophone Mobility guide.
5. Research, academic, and significant benefit work permits
Researchers, academics and some other specialists can qualify under research or significant benefit exemptions. The deciding rule is clear, documented benefit to Canada.
Start with our guides to research and academic workers and significant benefit.
A warning. The Global Talent Stream is not an exemption. It sits inside the LMIA-based TFWP and needs a positive LMIA, though it offers faster processing (IRCC, Global Skills Strategy). Our Global Talent Stream guide explains it.
6. International Experience Canada
International Experience Canada (IEC) gives young adults from partner countries access to work permits through reciprocal agreements. The three categories are Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
The deciding rule is your citizenship and your country’s IEC agreement. Each country has its own pools, eligibility rules, quotas, and application periods. See our IEC guide.
7. Post-graduation work permits (PGWP)
Eligible graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions may qualify for an open Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) without a job offer.
The key timing rule is to apply within 180 days after receiving your final marks or written confirmation of program completion. You must also meet IRCC’s current program, field-of-study, and language requirements.
You also need an eligible program and a language test: CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates. College graduates may also need a field of study linked to a job in long-term shortage. Remember that PGWPs sit outside the 170,000 target. Read our PGWP guide.
8. Spousal and bridging open work permits (SOWP and BOWP)
Some partners of workers and students, and some people waiting on a permanent residence application, can get open work permits. The deciding rule is the main applicant’s status.
Since January 21, 2025, a spouse of a foreign worker can get an open work permit only if the worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 job, or a listed TEER 2 or 3 job, and has at least 16 months left on their permit. A spouse of a student qualifies only if the student is in a master’s program of 16 months or more, a doctoral program, or a listed professional program. See our guides to the spousal open work permit and the bridging open work permit.
Not sure which route fits? Start with our free Canada immigration assessment.
IMP vs. TFWP: What changes for employers and workers?
With an exemption, your employer skips the LMIA. You still need a real job, a real employer and a full work permit application. Here is how the two programs compare.
| Criteria | International Mobility Program | Temporary Foreign Worker Program |
|---|---|---|
| Current annual planning target | 170,000 new IMP arrivals | 60,000 new TFWP arrivals in 2026; 50,000 in 2027 and 2028 |
| LMIA needed | No | Yes |
| Employer fee | $230 compliance fee in most employer-specific cases | $1,000 LMIA fee per position |
| Who it fits | People with a trade, transfer, business, language or open permit route | Employers who cannot show an exemption |
| Typical use | Trade agreement hires, transfers, business owners, open permits | Jobs where no Canadian or permanent resident is available |
Sources: IRCC Levels Plan; ESDC program requirements; IRCC fee schedule.
You skip the LMIA wait. You do not skip the work permit processing time, so check IRCC’s current times before you plan a start date.
What does an LMIA-exempt work permit cost?
Most LMIA-exempt work permit applicants pay a $155 work permit fee. For most employer-specific exempt hires, the employer also pays a $230 compliance fee through the Employer Portal.
Open work permit applicants generally pay the $155 work permit fee plus a $100 open work permit holder fee. Biometrics cost $85 per person when required. Fees can change, so confirm IRCC’s current fee schedule before applying.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Exemption code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work permit | $155 | You (or your employer by arrangement) | Most IMP codes; IEC has a separate participation fee |
| Employer compliance fee | $230 | Employer | C11, C12, C16, CUSMA T codes |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 | You | Open permits |
| Biometrics | $85 per person when required | You | All permits when required |
| LMIA fee, for contrast | $1,000 per position | Employer | Not applicable, TFWP |
So a standard open work permit generally costs $255 in government fees: $155 for the work permit plus $100 for the open work permit holder fee. IEC participants pay a separate IEC participation fee instead, so their total differs. Recheck the IRCC fee schedule on the day you apply.
Why do LMIA-exempt work permit applications get refused?
LMIA-exempt applications are refused when the exemption code, job duties, employer relationship, or supporting evidence do not match.
Removing the LMIA does not lower the standard. It moves the assessment to the work permit officer, who must be satisfied that the claimed exemption actually applies.
Here are the patterns we see most.
The employer picks the wrong exemption in the Employer Portal. The duties in the offer do not match the route you claim. The employer never enrolled in the Employer Portal, so no offer number exists.
For C11, the business plan is thin. IRCC officers look for real start-up steps, such as location, finances, customers and jobs created. A market study alone does not do that.
“Most refusals I see in this lane are not about the person. They picked the wrong exemption and built the wrong file.”
Amir Ismail, RCIC #R412319, founder of Amir Ismail and Associates, in immigration consulting since 1991
The fix is simple to say and hard to do. Match your facts to a route before anyone files.
How do you know if your job offer qualifies for an LMIA exemption?
You check by naming your route, testing its deciding rule, then building the file around that rule. It takes three steps.
Step 1: Name your route. Pick from the eight above. If two seem to fit, list both.
Step 2: Test the deciding rule. Here are the tests:
- CUSMA Professionals: Citizenship of the U.S. or Mexico, a qualifying profession, and a matching job offer.
- Intra-company transfers: At least one continuous year of full-time employment with the foreign company in the previous three years.
- C11 entrepreneurs: At least 51 percent ownership and significant benefit to Canada.
- Francophone Mobility: NCLC 5 or higher in French speaking and listening, plus a job offer outside Quebec.
- PGWP: Apply within 180 days of program-completion confirmation and meet current program and language rules.
Step 3: Build the file. Your employer submits the offer in the IRCC Employer Portal and pays the fee. Then you apply with the offer number and your evidence.
Our free Canada immigration assessment is a good first check. Employers can also read how to hire a foreign worker.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit FAQs
Can I get a Canadian work permit without an LMIA?
Yes. You may qualify for a Canadian work permit without an LMIA if your situation fits an exemption under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Common routes include CUSMA and other trade agreements, intra-company transfers, C11 entrepreneur permits, Francophone Mobility, research or significant benefit permits, IEC, PGWPs, and certain spousal or bridging open work permits.
An LMIA exemption removes the LMIA requirement. It does not remove the work permit application or IRCC’s eligibility assessment.
What is the International Mobility Program?
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is IRCC’s framework for most work permits that do not require an LMIA. It includes CUSMA and other trade-agreement permits, intra-company transfers, C11 significant benefit permits, Francophone Mobility permits, and certain open work permits.
Jobs that require an LMIA are processed under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) instead.
How many LMIA-exempt work permits will Canada issue in 2026?
Under the current 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC’s target is 170,000 new arrivals per year under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
This is a planning target for new temporary resident arrivals, not a cap on applications or a guarantee of approval. Post-Graduation Work Permits fall under the IMP but are not counted in the 170,000 target.
What is a C11 work permit?
A C11 work permit is an LMIA-exempt permit for entrepreneurs who want to operate their own Canadian business while maintaining temporary resident intent.
To qualify, you generally need to control at least 51 percent of the business and show that your ownership and active management will create significant economic, social, or cultural benefit for Canada. You also need a credible business plan, separated business funds, and evidence of real start-up activity.
Does my employer still pay a fee if no LMIA is needed?
Yes. For most employer-specific LMIA-exempt hires, the Canadian employer submits the offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pays a $230 compliance fee.
Open work permits do not require an employer-specific offer, so the $230 employer compliance fee generally does not apply. However, open work permit applicants may still pay the $100 open work permit holder fee.
Can an LMIA-exempt permit lead to permanent residence?
Not by itself. Skilled Canadian work on a valid permit can count toward programs such as the Canadian Experience Class. Your job level and permit type matter, so plan your route early.
The bottom line: Match your facts to the right LMIA exemption
An LMIA-exempt work permit can be a strong route to working in Canada—but only when your facts match the right exemption.
The main routes are CUSMA and other trade agreements, intra-company transfers, C11 entrepreneur permits, Francophone Mobility, research and significant benefit permits, International Experience Canada, PGWPs, and certain spousal or bridging open work permits.
Your offer is real. Make sure your file matches the right route before anyone submits it. For the evergreen version, read our LMIA-exempt work permits guide and our International Mobility Program explainer.
Ready to check your route? Book Your Strategy Consultation
About the author. Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC #R412319) and a member of the CICC and CAPIC. He has worked in immigration since 1991, and his firm has served 25,000+ clients. Read more about Amir Ismail and Associates.
This post is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Immigration rules, exemption codes, fees, and Levels Plan targets can change. We review and update this guide when IRCC publishes material changes.
Sources
- IRCC, Supplementary Information for the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan
- IRCC, Work permit fees, R196 and R299(1)
- IRCC, Business owners seeking only temporary residence, C11
- IRCC, Francophone Mobility work permit eligibility
- IRCC, CUSMA program delivery instructions
- IRCC, Global Skills Strategy
- ESDC, High-wage program requirements (LMIA fee)
