Citizens of specific countries enjoy easier and quicker access to Canadian work permits through various international trade agreements. If you belong to a nation that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada, you may qualify for a work permit that doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These LMIA-free permits are typically simpler to obtain than standard permits, which usually involve longer processing times and extensive employer involvement. On the other hand, individuals from countries not covered by an FTA often must undergo the more complicated LMIA-based process, which comes with more paperwork, fees, and waiting. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the countries that can get LMIA-exempt work permits in Canada and what you need to know about eligibility.

Let’s dive right in!

Who Qualifies For LMIA-Free Canadian Work Permits?

Below is a list of countries that can get LMIA-exempt work permits in Canada through various FTAs:

Country Applicable FTA(s)
Australia CPTPP
Austria CETA
Belgium CETA
Brunei CPTPP
Bulgaria CETA
Chile CPTPP, CCFTA
Colombia CCOFTA
Croatia CETA
Cyprus CETA
Czechia CETA
Denmark CETA
Estonia CETA
Finland CETA
France CETA
Germany CETA
Greece CETA
Hungary CETA
Ireland CETA
Italy CETA
Japan CPTPP
Latvia CETA
Lithuania CETA
Luxembourg CETA
Malaysia CPTPP
Malta CETA
Mexico CUSMA, CPTPP
Netherlands CETA
New Zealand CPTPP
Peru CPTPP
Poland CETA
Portugal CETA
Romania CETA
Singapore CPTPP
Slovakia CETA
Slovenia CETA
Spain CETA
Sweden CETA
United States CUSMA
Vietnam CPTPP

Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the trade agreement and the specific work permit category. For personalized advice, consult with an immigration expert.

CUSMA: For U.S. And Mexican Citizens

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly known as NAFTA, provides U.S. and Mexican citizens with several LMIA-exempt options:

1. Professionals 

To qualify, you must have a job offer in one of the 63 designated CUSMA occupations and meet educational and licensing requirements.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 3 years

2. Intra-Company Transfers 

This applies to executives, senior managers, or specialized workers at multinational firms relocating to Canadian branches.

  • Requirement: One year of continuous employment within the last three years.
  • Permit Validity: Up to 5 years for managers/executives; 3 years for specialists

3. Investors and Traders 

Qualified individuals must be engaged in major trade or investment activity.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

CETA: Options For EU Citizens

Another one of the countries that can get LMIA-exempt work permits in Canada is European Union. 

Under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), citizens from European Union countries can qualify under the following categories:

1. Professionals (Contractual & Independent) 

A university degree or equivalent and work experience are required. Must have a service agreement (contractual) or direct contract (independent).

  • Permit Validity: 24 months total; max 12 months of work

2. Intra-Company Transfers 

It includes employees transferring to a Canadian affiliate after at least one year with the EU company.

  • Permit Validity: 3 years (execs/specialists); 1 year (trainees)

3. Investors 

It includes executives or specialists with control over a substantial investment in Canada.

  • Permit Validity: 24 months; max 12 months of work

4. Technologists 

Applicants must be qualified engineering or scientific technologists with three years of experience and proper certification.

  • Permit Validity: 24 months; max 12 months of work

CPTPP: Indo-Pacific Country Access

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provides access for workers from Indo-Pacific nations:

1. Professionals 

You must have a four-year postsecondary degree and two years of work experience. Eligible jobs vary by country.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

2. Intra-Company Transfers 

It includes managers, executives, or specialists employed for at least one year in the last three years by a related company.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 3 years

3. Investors 

It applies to individuals in supervisory or senior roles responsible for major investments in Canada.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

4. Technicians 

It requires a two-year technical degree and four years of relevant experience.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

CCFTA: For Chilean Workers

Under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), Chilean citizens can qualify through the following categories:

1. Professionals 

You must work in an eligible occupation and meet education and licensing standards.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 3 years

2. Intra-Company Transfers 

This applies to managers, executives, and specialists transferring to Canada from a Chilean affiliate.

  • Permit Validity: 5 years (managers/executives); 3 years (specialists)

3. Investors and Traders 

You must manage trade or significant investment between Chile and Canada.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

CCoFTA: For Colombian Citizens

Another one of the countries that can get LMIA-exempt work permits in Canada is Columbia. 

Through the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA), Colombians can apply under these categories:

1. Professionals 

You must be working in a TEER 0 or 1 job, have a four-year degree, and fulfill all licensing requirements.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

2. Intra-Company Transfers 

It applies to workers with at least six months of prior employment with the same employer.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 3 years

3. Technicians 

It requires a two-year technical qualification and employment in a TEER 2 or 3 occupation.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

4. Traders and Investors 

This category is open to individuals managing trade or investment activities.

  • Permit Validity: Up to 1 year

Note: Canada uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to define job types. TEER 0 is the highest skill level; TEER 5 is the lowest.

How To Apply For An LMIA-Free Work Permit?

Applying for a work permit through an FTA involves two sets of responsibilities: one for the employer and one for the applicant.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Step 1: Submit the Offer
    Use the Employer Portal to register the job offer.
  • Step 2: Pay the Fee
    An employer compliance fee of CAD 230 must be submitted.
  • Step 3: Share the Offer Number
    Provide the foreign worker with the employment offer number.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
    Ensure that both your nationality and occupation qualify under a specific FTA.
  • Step 2: Review Instructions
    IRCC offers instruction guides tailored to each FTA.
  • Step 3: Prepare Documents
    Upload all required documentation, including transcripts, certifications, and evidence of work experience.
  • Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
    Pay CAD 155 for the work permit. If biometrics are needed, pay an additional CAD 85.
  • Step 5: Submit Your Application
    Apply through IRCC’s official portal. Processing times vary by country and case load but typically range from three weeks to five months.

Note: Meeting all criteria does not guarantee approval. Final decisions rest with IRCC officers who assess your admissibility and application quality.

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