What Employers Need to Know About LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in 2025

Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) allows foreign nationals to obtain work

permits without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if the position offers

significant benefits or aligns with Canada's broader trade or immigration objectives. For Canadian employers, this pathway can reduce red tape, but it also demands strategic

understanding.

Common LMIA-Exempt Categories Include:

- CUSMA Professionals: For citizens of the U.S. and Mexico with eligible occupations.

- Intra-Company Transferees: For international companies moving key staff to a Canadian

branch.

- Significant Benefit (C10): For roles that provide significant economic, social, or cultural

benefit to Canada.

- Open Work Permits for Spouses: Spouses of skilled workers and international students in

graduate or professional programs.

Key Considerations for Employers:

-Employer Portal Compliance: Even when a role is LMIA-exempt, employers must submit

The job offer via the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the $230 compliance fee..

- Record-Keeping: Employers must maintain documents for six years proving compliance

(e.g., payroll records, duties and time sheets, and working conditions).

- Exemption Code Justification: IRCC scrutinizes LMIA exemptions. Your justification must

align precisely with the code (e.g. R205(a) for C10).

Emerging Trend:

We are seeing increased use of the C10 exemption for consultants, entrepreneurs, and

experts in sectors such as agriculture technology, green energy, and healthcare systems.

Proper documentation and a clearly articulated benefit to Canada are essential.

If you need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact Immigration Station Canada. We

offer professional immigration advice to help you through every step of the process.

Immigration Station Canada will work with you and guide you through the best process to

achieve your goals, wherever they lead!

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About Us

Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County, just east of Toronto, Canada. We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford, St. Catharines, and around the world. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie) is an experienced immigration services provider and a fifth-generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the contact form.

How Can We Help?  We do work permits, study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, family class sponsorship, and Canadian citizenship with expertise in Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and Global Talent Stream applications. Please contact us if you would like assistance with your immigration application or to book an appointment.