Canada Work Permit Without LMIA – December 2024

Are you wondering how to bypass LMIA to work in Canada? Already, getting a Canada work permit without LMIA seems unlikely to happen, so how can you work in Canada without LMIA work permit?

There are of course, a plethora of queries concerning Canada work permit without LMIA from our readers which we have been receiving lately. 

Canada, known for its welcoming atmosphere, quality life, and a strong economy usually needs individuals leaning towards working in her country to possess LMIA documents. 

Moreover, there are ways which we have recently discovered about getting a Canadian work permit without LMIA, and of course, we will be sharing these ways in this guide. 

So, without further hesitation, let us proceed.

What is Considered LMIA?

Before we proceed to the ways in which we can obtain Canadian work permit work without LMIA, let’s first understand what LMIA is and why it is a necessity for the application of a Canadian work permit. 

LMIA, Labour Market Impact Assessment is an essential document which an employer needs to possess before hiring a foreign worker. 

Additionally, LMIA is issued by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). 

Moreover, LMIA verifies that there isn’t a Canadian or a permanent Canadian resident available for the position you are applying for, hence a foreign worker is needed.

Can I Work in Canada Without LMIA?

Yes, you can work in Canada without LMIA. There are, of course, quite some paths to take to work in Canada without LMIA. 

Later on in this guide, we will be addressing ways to work in Canada without LMIA.

Read also: Teaching Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship.

How to Work in Canada Without LMIA

1. Student Pathway

One of the effective and legalized ways of working in Canada without LMIA is through the Study-Work-Immigration way. International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies and full-time during academy breaks.

Moreover, after completing your studies, you can as well apply for a post-graduate work permit, which will allow you to work in Canada for a minimum of 3 years without in possession of LMIA documents.

2. Own a Business

Another straightway path to securing a job in Canada without LMIA is to own a business in Canada, and you can achieve this by starting or buying a business. Through programs such as Start-Up Visa Program and Self-employed Persons Program, the Canadian government encourages business immigration. 

While the earlier program is for entrepreneurs who can secure funding and support from assigned organizations in Canada, the later is for individuals with relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities. 

3. Intra-Company Transfers

Intra-Company transfer is an effective method of working in Canada without LMIA. Moreover, you must have worked for the multinational corporation for at least a year, and met the requirements for transfer before you could apply for the intra-company transfer program and work in Canada without LMIA.

4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) 

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offers a straightway to working in Canada without LMIA. All Canadian provinces and territory has its PNP and often targets individuals with relevant working experience or specific skills that could help their regions. 

You can proceed with working in Canada without LMIA by researching for territory and province PNP that needs your skills and/or qualifications and apply, and if nominated, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

5. Express Entry

Express Entry System is one of the most effective ways to work in Canada without LMIA. Under the Express Entry System you can apply for immigration programs including; Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 

The about immigration programs help individuals apply for permanent residency without the need of LMIA. 

However, you will as well need to meet their requirements before you could be invited to apply for a permanent residency.

6. NAFTA and CUSMA

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or its successor, The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) helps individuals to gain permission to work in Canada without LMIA. 

Moreover, you will need to meet with CUSMA requirements, including belonging to the 63 eligible professionals or being engaged in substantial trade of goods or services between Canada, United States of America, and Mexico to be allowed to work in Canada without LMIA.

7. Open Work Permit

You can apply for an open work permit, a permit that allows you to work for any Canadian employer without the need of LMIA. 

However, you can only apply for this Open work permit if your spouse or common-law partner has a valid Canadian work permit.

Conclusion

There are, of course, quite some paths you can take to work in Canada without LMIA. However, whatever immigration path you are choosing to follow, you need to also meet their requirements, qualifications, and have the suitable skills which is a necessity.

In other words, working in Canada without LMIA quite needs some effort. Although putting up these efforts might be stressful, it is worthwhile if you indeed want to attain your Canadian dreams.