LMIA-exempt work permits for employers
IMP · Trade agreements · ICT · Francophone mobility - no LMIA
When your hire fits CUSMA, CETA, ICT, other agreement-based or IMP exemptions, you submit a compliant offer of employment and pay the employer compliance fee - we structure the employer side and support the work permit process.
Common exempt routes
- CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, UKTCA
- Intra-company transfer (ICT)
- Francophone mobility
- Employer compliance fee (IMP)
What Are LMIA-Exempt Work Permits?
Work permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP) do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). They include permits under trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, UKTCA), Intra-Company Transfer, Francophone mobility, and other significant-benefit categories.
As an employer, you do not apply to ESDC for an LMIA. You submit an offer of employment to IRCC and pay the employer compliance fee ($230). The worker still needs a work permit. We help you determine which stream fits and prepares the employer and worker sides.
At a glance
- No LMIA - no ESDC step
- Offer of employment to IRCC
- $230 employer compliance fee
- IMP compliance still required
LMIA-Exempt Streams We Support
Trade agreements, ICT, Francophone mobility - we confirm eligibility and prepare the application.
CUSMA (US/Mexico)
US and Mexican citizens in certain professional or trade occupations on the CUSMA list. No LMIA; employer submits offer and pays compliance fee.
Eligibility assessed at consultationCETA (European Union)
EU citizens in specified categories (investors, contract service suppliers, etc.). Criteria and occupation lists apply.
Eligibility assessed at consultationIntra-Company Transfer
Executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers transferring to your Canadian entity. No LMIA.
Learn more →Francophone mobility
French-speaking workers outside Quebec. No LMIA; employer offer and compliance fee required.
Eligibility assessed at consultationCPTPP / UKTCA
Citizens of member countries in specified occupations. No LMIA under the trade agreement.
Eligibility assessed at consultationWhy Employers Use LMIA-Exempt Streams
Faster than LMIA in many cases - when the worker and role qualify.
- No LMIA - no ESDC application, no Job Bank advertising
- Faster than LMIA-based permits in most cases
- Employer pays $230 employer compliance fee and submits offer of employment to IRCC
- Worker still needs a work permit; eligibility depends on the specific stream
IMP compliance
Even for LMIA-exempt hires, you must honour the offer of employment (wage, job, working conditions) and keep records. IRCC can review compliance. We help you stay compliant - see our Employer Compliance page.
Not Sure If You Need an LMIA?
We assess your hire - CUSMA, CETA, ICT, Francophone, or LMIA - and recommend the right path.
LMIA-Exempt Employer FAQ
Common questions about hiring without an LMIA.
What does LMIA-exempt mean for employers?▼
LMIA-exempt (International Mobility Program) means the employer does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment from ESDC. The employer submits an offer of employment to IRCC and pays the employer compliance fee ($230). The worker still applies for a work permit. Streams include CUSMA, CETA, Intra-Company Transfer, Francophone mobility, and others.
What is CUSMA?▼
CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) allows US and Mexican citizens to work in Canada in certain professional and trade occupations without an LMIA. The occupation must be on the CUSMA list and the worker must meet the criteria. The employer submits the offer and pays the compliance fee.
What is the employer compliance fee?▼
For most LMIA-exempt work permits, the employer must pay $230 (employer compliance fee) to IRCC and submit an offer of employment through the IRCC portal. This is separate from any fees the worker pays for the work permit application.
Can we use LMIA-exempt if we don't qualify for LMIA?▼
Eligibility depends on the worker (citizenship, occupation, experience) and your situation (e.g. corporate relationship for ICT). If LMIA is refused or not feasible, we assess whether CUSMA, CETA, ICT, Francophone mobility, or another stream fits.
How can We help with LMIA-exempt hiring?▼
We confirms which stream applies, prepares the employer's offer of employment and supporting documentation, and supports the worker's work permit application. We ensure IMP compliance and can advise on other employer streams (e.g. LMIA, GTS) if needed.
Hire Without an LMIA When It Fits
CUSMA, CETA, ICT, Francophone - we confirm eligibility and prepare the employer and worker package.
All employer services · Intra-Company Transfer · LMIA Services