LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Canada: Which Exemption Fits You?
Some jobs let you work in Canada without a labour market impact assessment (LMIA). IRCC runs these permits through the International Mobility Program. Your employer usually submits an offer of employment and pays a CAD$230 compliance fee, then you apply. We match you to the right exemption.
since 1991
What is an LMIA-exempt work permit?
It is an employer-specific work permit for a job that does not need an LMIA. IRCC lets employers hire these workers through the International Mobility Program (IMP). In most cases the employer submits an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pays the CAD$230 compliance fee (IRCC).
Which exemption fits you?
IRCC groups these permits by situation: free trade agreements and company transfers, French-speaking workers outside Quebec, research, unpaid charity or religious work, performing arts and exchanges. Start with the CUSMA professionals guide, the free trade agreements guide, the intra-company transfer guide or the Francophone Mobility guide. The work permits hub shows every permit type. More guides: significant benefit, research and academic workers, charitable and religious workers, artists and athletes and the entrepreneur work permit. For short visits, see our business visitor guide.
Key rules at a glance
- Employer first: your employer submits the offer and pays the fee before you apply, unless the category is fee exempt.
- Offer number: your employer gives you a 7 digit offer of employment number, and you need it for your application.
- Open permit holders: if you already hold an open work permit, your employer needs no offer and pays no fee.
- Where to apply: most people in Canada must apply online, and only some travellers can apply at a port of entry.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
An LMIA-exempt permit fits if
- Your job falls in a listed exemption, such as a free trade agreement or a company transfer.
- You have a job offer from an employer that is not on the non-compliant list.
- Your employer can submit the offer and pay the fee, or qualifies for a fee exemption.
Look elsewhere if
- Your job needs an LMIA: read our LMIA work permits guide.
- You have no job offer: see the open work permits guide.
- You applied for PR: a bridging open work permit may fit.
Employer reading this? Our hire a foreign worker guide explains the Employer Portal and the compliance fee.
Why LMIA-exempt applications get refused or delayed
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Wrong exemption chosen
The employer picks the exemption in the Employer Portal. If it does not match your real situation, officers can refuse or return the file.
Fee proof is missing
Fee-exempt categories need a letter that explains how you qualify. For charity or religious work, saying the employer is a charity is not enough.
The offer looks weak
Officers check that the job offer is genuine and that you meet the category rules. Vague duties and mismatched titles raise doubts.
The employer is on the list
You cannot get a permit for an employer on the list of employers who failed to follow the rules.
Wrong way to apply
Most people already in Canada cannot apply at a port of entry. Apply online, or confirm that you qualify to apply at the border.
Not sure which exemption fits?
We read your job offer, citizenship and employer before anyone pays a fee.
Steps your employer cannot skip
Offer first, application second
Your employer submits the offer of employment and pays the CAD$230 compliance fee, unless exempt. IRCC then gives an offer of employment number. You cannot finish your application without it.
If you apply from outside Canada and IRCC approves you, you get a port of entry letter and receive the permit at the border. If you apply inside Canada, IRCC sends a notice, and you can start working once you receive it.
LMIA-exempt jobs can still count toward permanent residence if they are skilled and authorized. See Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class early, because your permit has an end date.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How an LMIA-exempt permit works, step by step
Six stages from your category to your permit.
Find your category
Match your job and citizenship to a listed exemption.
Employer submits the offer
Your employer files the offer in the Employer Portal and pays the fee.
Get your offer number
Your employer gives you the 7 digit number.
Apply online
Answer the questions for an LMIA exemption and upload your checklist items.
Give biometrics
Do this within 30 days of the letter if IRCC asks.
Get your permit
Bring your port of entry letter, or wait for your approval notice in Canada.
LMIA-exempt costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
LMIA-exempt work permit FAQs
What does LMIA-exempt mean?
It means your employer does not need a labour market impact assessment to hire you. The job falls under an exemption in the International Mobility Program. You still need a work permit in most cases.
Who pays the CAD$230 employer compliance fee?
The employer pays it through the Employer Portal when they submit the offer of employment. Some programs and agreements are fee exempt. Open work permit holders need no offer and no fee.
What is an offer of employment number?
It is a 7 digit number that the employer receives after submitting the offer in the Employer Portal. You must enter it in your work permit application. Without it, you cannot complete the application.
Which jobs are LMIA-exempt?
Examples include workers under a free trade agreement, company transfers, French-speaking workers outside Quebec, some research and academic roles, unpaid charity or religious work, and some performing arts and exchange roles. Your category sets the rules.
Can I apply at a port of entry?
Only if you meet IRCC conditions. Most people already in Canada can no longer apply at a port of entry. If you are outside Canada, you may qualify if you are visa exempt and your employer has an offer number.
How long is an LMIA-exempt permit valid?
It depends on the category and your job offer. Free trade agreement professionals can get up to 3 years, and traders and investors up to 1 year at first. Check your category page.
Can my family come with me?
Spouses, partners and children may qualify for their own permits. Read our spousal open work permit guide for the current rules, and check each family member before you apply.
Does an LMIA-exempt job count for permanent residence?
Skilled work on a valid permit may count toward programs such as the Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry. Your job level and permit type matter. We check this before you apply.
Can I change employers on an LMIA-exempt permit?
No, not on an employer-specific permit. A new employer needs a new offer and a new permit. You cannot start the new job until IRCC approves it.
Do I need a work permit for business visits?
No. Business visitors do not enter the labour market and do not need a work permit. Under CUSMA they can stay up to 6 months at a time. Read the category rules before you travel.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply with new information or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.
Can you help my employer hire me?
Yes. We check the exemption, the offer and the fee steps with you and your employer. Book a Strategy Consultation before the offer is filed.