- Work permits under international agreements: Such as trade agreements that facilitate the movement of workers between countries.
- Intra-Company Transfers: For employees being transferred within multinational companies.
- Open Work Permits: Allowing foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada, with specific restrictions.
- Francophone Mobility
- Confirm the position and/or worker qualifies for an LMIA exemption
- Pay the employer compliance fee $230 CAD
- Work Submit the official job offer through the Employer Portal
Work In Canada Without A Work Permit
Certain individuals may perform work in Canada without needing to secure a Temporary Work Permit. These individuals may still require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada depending on their country of citizenship.
The following scenarios are where foreign nationals may perform work in Canada without a work permit:
- Athlete or Coach
- Aviation Accident or Incident Investigato
- Business Visitors
- Civil Aviation Inspector
- Convention Organizer
- Crew Member
- Emergency Service Provider
- Examiner and Evaluator
- Family Member of a Foreign Representative
- Foreign Government Officer or Representative
- Healthcare Student
- Judge, Referee, or similar official
- Military Personnel
- News Reporter or Film and Media Crew
- Performing Artist
- Expert Witness or Investigator
- Producer or Staff Member Working on Advertisements
- Public Speaker
- Religious Leader
- Short-term Highly-skilled Worker
- Short-term Researcher
- Student Working Off-Campus or On-Campus
Working in Canada under USMCA
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) facilitates the employment of American and Mexican nationals in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In certain cases, a Work Permit may not be required either. To benefit from these USMCA exemptions, positions in Canada must meet specific criteria.
Exemptions Under NAFTA
- Business Visitors: These individuals are exempt from both the LMIA and Work Permit requirements. They must meet specific conditions demonstrating that they will not enter the Canadian labor market.
- Business Professionals: Although exempt from the LMIA requirement, these professionals still require a Work Permit. Eligible professions include accountants, engineers, lawyers, social workers, dentists, physicians, pharmacists, college/university teachers, chemists, and more.
- Intra-company Transferees: Employees transferring within the same company from the U.S. or Mexico to Canada are exempt from the LMIA requirement but must obtain a Work Permit.
- Traders/Investors: Individuals engaging in substantial trade or investment activities are also exempt from the LMIA requirement and must secure a Work Permit.
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