yckotYou want a real job, a fast work permit, and a clear path to the life you are building. LMIA exempt routes under the International Mobility Program deliver exactly that. Think of this move like a production rollout with zero downtime. You map the dependencies, line up approvals, and switch traffic smoothly. Do the same here and you can go from job offer to work permit with less friction than you expect.
Why LMIA Exempt Paths Are A Smart Move
Faster hiring and less employer friction
Employers love LMIA exempt routes because they skip the labour market process. No advertising evidence, no wait to prove shortages. That means quicker offers and a cleaner onboarding for you.
Stronger mobility for career growth
Many LMIA exempt categories allow you to move inside a global company, consult under trade agreements, or work on projects that build your portfolio faster. It is not just paperwork. It is positioning.
What LMIA exempt really means
Your employer does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment. They still must submit your job details through the Employer Portal, pay a compliance fee, and give you an offer of employment number. You then apply for a work permit under the correct exemption code. This is general information. Always verify rules on official Canadian government sites.
The International Mobility Program In Plain Language
Employer specific versus open work permits
Some LMIA exempt work permits are tied to one employer such as intra company transferees. Others are open and let you work for many employers such as post graduation work permits or some spouse permits. Know which one you have so you stay compliant.
Compliance fee and offer of employment number
For employer specific LMIA exempt roles, the company submits your job details in the Employer Portal and pays the government compliance fee. You receive a letter with an offer of employment number starting with A. That number is your key when you file your work permit.
Typical timeline from offer to work permit
- Employer Portal submission and compliance fee one to three days
- Your online work permit filing with biometrics booking same week
- Processing time varies by office usually a few weeks to a few months
- Visa exempt nationals may apply at the border with complete documents where permitted
Major LMIA Exempt Categories You Should Know
Intra Company Transferees managers, specialists, trainees
Move from a foreign parent or affiliate to the Canadian entity in a similar role. Show a year of employment abroad and genuine transfer. Great for tech, finance, and global product teams.
Trade agreement professionals CUSMA, CETA, UK TCA, CPTPP
Citizens of partner countries can qualify for professional, investor, or intra company roles under trade agreements. CUSMA for the United States and Mexico remains the most used and often the fastest.
Francophone Mobility outside Quebec
French speakers working outside Quebec can qualify even if the job is not on a shortage list. This is a powerful route for candidates who can work in French and English.
Significant Benefit to Canada C10 and entrepreneurs C11
For work that brings a clear cultural, social, or economic benefit to Canada, or for entrepreneurs who will actively run a Canadian business. Evidence must be strong and specific.
Research and academics visiting professors, researchers
Universities and publicly funded research institutions hire international academics and researchers quickly through IMP categories. Salary must align with Canadian norms.
Charitable and religious workers
For genuine charitable or faith based roles where the work meets public policy criteria. These can be faster, but pay and duties must be clear.
Provincial nominee employer specific work permits
Once you hold a provincial nomination with a job offer, you can often get an LMIA exempt employer specific work permit to start work while your permanent residence is processing.
Open Work Permits Under The IMP
Post Graduation Work Permit for graduates
If you studied in Canada at a qualifying institution, the PGWP lets you work for any employer. This is a bridge to Canadian experience and often to permanent residence.
Spouses and partners of skilled workers or students
Spousal open work permits let partners work across employers if the principal holds an eligible status. This doubles your household career options.
International Experience Canada working holiday
Young citizens of partner countries can get an open work permit and find jobs after arrival. This is a great way to build networks and shift to employer specific roles later.
Bridging Open Work Permit on the PR path
If you filed a complete PR application under an eligible stream and meet criteria, you may receive a bridging open permit to keep working while PR is finalized.
Roles And Sectors Where IMP Shines
Technology and product teams
Intra company transfers and trade agreements help get engineers, product managers, and security specialists onshore fast. Many companies move a senior engineer first, then build a local team.
Life sciences and research
Universities, hospitals, and biotech labs use IMP to onboard researchers and visiting scholars quickly. Evidence of funding and project alignment is key.
Film, TV and creative production
Production crews and creative professionals often use LMIA exempt categories aligned to cultural benefit. Schedules are tight, and IMP keeps shoots on track.
Energy, construction, and EPC project staff
When a project needs specific expertise from a global EPC team, intra company transfers bring leaders and specialists in quickly.
Non profit, charitable, and faith based work
Organizations that meet charitable criteria can onboard international staff for program delivery where it benefits communities.
Employer Steps For LMIA Exempt Hiring
Determine category and wage alignment
The employer chooses the correct LMIA exempt code and ensures the wage meets the median for the region and role. Underpaying risks refusal and compliance findings.
Submit the offer in the Employer Portal
They pay the compliance fee, submit job details, and receive a confirmation. You receive an offer of employment number to use in your application.
Documents the worker should receive
- Copy of the submitted job details or confirmation letter
- Employment contract with title, wage, hours, and location
- Proof the company exists and can pay wages if requested
Worker Steps For A Smooth Approval
Create the strongest work permit file
Include all requested items passport, job offer number, contract, proof of qualifications, and exact duties that match the chosen exemption category. Consistency across documents is your friend.
Medicals, biometrics, and police certificates
Some occupations require medical exams especially health care, child care, and food handling. Biometrics are standard for most applicants. Police certificates may be requested based on residence history.
Port of entry versus online filing
Visa exempt citizens can sometimes apply at the border with full documents and job offer number. Everyone else applies online and waits for approval before travel. Check the rules for your nationality.
Salary, Benefits, And Negotiation Tips
How to benchmark an offer
Use Job Bank median wages and regional salary data from reputable sites. In tech hubs such as Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, and Waterloo, senior bands often run above national medians.
Relocation, legal fee support, and early start options
Ask for relocation cash, temporary housing, and coverage of government and legal fees for you and, if possible, for your family. If the employer needs you urgently, discuss starting remotely while the permit processes if your role allows.
A short counter offer script you can adapt
Thank you for the offer. Based on the scope and market data for this role in City, I would be excited to accept at Base Salary with relocation support, Employer Portal compliance fee coverage, and temporary housing for one month. I can submit my work permit application within five business days once I receive the offer of employment number.
Compliance, Rights, And Avoiding Pitfalls
Employer compliance and your protections
Employers must keep accurate records of the job they offered you and the wages they pay. You have the right to a copy of your contract, itemized pay statements, and safe working conditions under provincial law.
Red flags and scam checks
No legitimate employer asks you to pay the compliance fee or to purchase a job offer. If anyone requests money for a permit or promises guaranteed approval, step back and verify. Always check that the company exists and that you are speaking with official HR contacts.
Changing employers the right way
If you hold an employer specific LMIA exempt permit, you need a new offer of employment number and a new work permit before you switch. Open work permits like PGWP or spousal permits offer more flexibility.
Cost Of Living And Smart Landing Plan
City snapshots for tech and research hubs
- Toronto and Vancouver offer the most roles with higher rents
- Ottawa and Waterloo balance salaries and cost
- Montreal offers strong value with lower rent and a vibrant tech scene
First ninety day budget and setup
Plan for housing deposit, first month rent, basic furniture, phone plan, and transit cards. Ask for two to four weeks of temporary housing while you search.
A simple arrival checklist
- Apply for Social Insurance Number
- Set up a bank account and mobile plan
- Choose a family doctor or clinic
- Review benefits enrollment and start dates
- Keep copies of permits and job letters in a secure cloud folder
Fast Track Application Playbook
CV keywords that match LMIA exempt roles
Use language that mirrors the job description and the exemption category. For tech, include stacks such as Java, Kotlin, Go, React, TypeScript, AWS, Kubernetes, Terraform. For research, include grants, publications, and lab methods.
Portfolio and reference letters that help
Create a one page portfolio with outcomes reduced latency, improved reliability, cost savings. Reference letters on letterhead with duties, dates, and contact details speed decisions.
A sixty second outreach message
Hello Name, I lead platform reliability and reduced cloud cost 22 percent using Kubernetes and Terraform. I am eligible for an LMIA exempt intra company transfer and can file my work permit within one week of receiving the offer of employment number. May I share a one page portfolio for the Senior SRE role in City
A Six Week Action Plan From Interest To Offer
Weeks one to two targeting and documents
- Shortlist employers that use intra company transfers or trade agreements
- Prepare passport scans, degree, and reference letters
- Draft a metrics rich CV and a one page portfolio
Weeks three to four interviews and compliance prep
- Book mock interviews for system design or research talks
- Confirm the employer knows the offer of employment process
- Align on start date and relocation support
Weeks five to six work permit filing and travel plan
- Employer submits the offer and pays the compliance fee
- You file your work permit application and complete biometrics
- Arrange temporary housing and book flights after approval
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Paying anyone for a job offer or permit
- Inconsistent names or dates across passport, forms, and letters
- Missing medical or police certificates when requested
- Assuming you can switch employers without a new permit
- Letting the employer forget the compliance step in the Employer Portal
Conclusion And Next Steps
LMIA exempt jobs through the International Mobility Program are a practical, fast way to work in Canada. Target the right category for your profile, help the employer complete their compliance step, and present a clean, consistent application. Negotiate relocation and fee coverage in writing, plan your first ninety days, and keep copies of everything. Move with confidence and you will not only land the job, you will set the stage for long term success in Canada.
FAQs
What is the biggest advantage of LMIA exempt work permits
Speed and simplicity. Employers do not need to run a labour market process, so you can move from offer to work permit faster with less friction.
Do all LMIA exempt routes allow me to change employers easily
No. Employer specific permits tie you to one employer. Open work permits such as PGWP and many spousal permits allow broader flexibility.
Who pays the Employer Portal compliance fee
The employer pays this fee for employer specific LMIA exempt hires. You should not be asked to cover it.
Can I apply at the border for an LMIA exempt work permit
Some visa exempt nationals can apply at the port of entry with a complete package and an offer of employment number. Others must file online before travel. Check the rules for your nationality.
Do LMIA exempt permits lead to permanent residence
Many people use LMIA exempt permits to gain Canadian experience and then apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program. If you are already on the PR path, the Bridging Open Work Permit can keep you working while your PR is processed.
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