Work in Canada Without an LMIA? Yes, LMIA-Exempt Work Permit is Possible.

When most people think of working in Canada, they immediately assume you need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). But that’s not always the case. LMIA-exempt work permit is possible.

Through the International Mobility Program (IMP), many foreign nationals can obtain a work permit without an LMIA, provided their work aligns with Canada’s broader economic, social, cultural, or public policy interests.

The IMP is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and includes several exemption codes. Selecting the correct code is essential — mistakes can cause delays or refusals.

Common LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Categories in Canada

Not every work permit in Canada requires an LMIA. Through the International Mobility Program (IMP), foreign nationals can work legally without an LMIA when their employment aligns with Canada’s economic, social, cultural, or public policy objectives.

Here are the common LMIA-exempt codes you should know:

C10 – Significant Benefit (General)

C10 applies when a foreign national’s work provides a clear economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada but does not fit other categories.

Examples include:

• Airline personnel (foreign airline security guards)

• Interns with international organizations recognized under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act

• Rail grinder operators, rail welders, or specialized track maintenance workers

• Experts on mission with the United Nations in Canada

• Foreign physicians coming to work in Quebec

• Caribbean agricultural liaison officers

C10 is discretionary and requires strong supporting documentation.

C11 – Entrepreneurs / Self-Employed (Significant Benefit)

C11 is for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who:

• Start or operate a business in Canada

• Provide economic, social, or cultural benefits

• Create jobs for Canadians or permanent residents

Applicants must provide a business plan, proof of funds, and evidence of significant benefit.

C16 – Francophone Mobility Work Permit

C16 supports French-speaking workers outside Quebec.

Requirements:

• Position must be outside Quebec

• Occupation generally TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3

• Applicant must demonstrate French language proficiency

This helps fill skilled roles while supporting Francophone minority communities.

C62 – Intra-Company Transferees (ICT)

C62 allows multinational companies to transfer employees to Canadian affiliates for:

• Executive roles

• Managerial positions

• Specialized knowledge roles

Applicants must have worked abroad for at least one year within the past three years.

A70 – Permanent Residence Applicants in Canada

A70 covers certain PR applicants already in Canada, including:

• Live-in caregivers (LCP)

• Spouses or common-law partners (after eligibility passed)

• Protected persons under subsection A95(2)

• Applicants under Section A25 (humanitarian and compassionate grounds)

• Family members of the above

This allows them to work legally while their PR application is in process without an LMIA.

A75 – Bridging Open Work Permit for Certain Economic Class PR Applicants

A75 applies to foreign nationals awaiting economic-class permanent residence under R205(a).

This is the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) scenario, allowing continuity of work while the PR application is processed.

C41 & C42 – Spouses of Skilled Workers and Students

C41 – Spouses of skilled workers in TEER 0–3 occupations may qualify for an open work permit.

C42 – Spouses of eligible full-time international students may also qualify depending on the student’s program.

C43 – Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The PGWP allows eligible graduates from Canadian institutions to work without an LMIA.

• Open work permit

• Duration based on program length

• Often used to gain Canadian work experience for PR

T13 – Special Circumstances / Provincial Nominees / Investment Projects

T13 is a flexible exemption for:

• Applicants nominated by a province or territory for permanent residence

• Workers involved in significant investment projects

• Situations involving exceptional or unforeseen events, such as natural disasters

T13 ensures workers can remain employed legally while supporting provincial priorities, major investments, or urgent needs.

C50 – Religious Work (R205(d))

C50 covers foreign nationals coming to Canada for religious work, including:

• Ministers of religion

• Religious workers

• Staff supporting religious organizations

This allows participation in faith-based roles without an LMIA.

Where to Find the Complete List

Canada maintains an official, complete list of all LMIA exemption codes and their definitions:

👉 Complete LMIA Exemption Codes – IRCC

Final Thoughts

The International Mobility Program is a powerful tool for:

• Skilled professionals

• Entrepreneurs

• Francophone workers outside Quebec

• PR applicants awaiting their decision

• Spouses and dependents

With the right strategy, you can work in Canada without an LMIA and keep your immigration goals on track.

At Gateway to Canada, we help both employers and applicants identify the best LMIA-exempt pathways, select the correct exemption codes, and submit compliant applications — because sometimes the smartest immigration strategy is knowing you don’t need an LMIA at all.