LMIA-Exempt Work Permits: Categories and Recent Rule Changes
LMIA-exempt work permits explained: International Mobility Program categories, intra-company transfers, free trade agreements, PGWP, IEC, spousal open permits and what changed for 2026.
Not every Canadian work permit needs an LMIA. The International Mobility Program issues hundreds of thousands of LMIA-exempt permits each year.
What 'LMIA-exempt' means
An LMIA-exempt work permit is one issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP). The employer skips the Labour Market Impact Assessment but pays a $230 employer compliance fee and submits the offer through the IRCC employer portal.
Intra-company transferees
Multinational companies can transfer executives, senior managers and specialised-knowledge workers from a foreign office to a Canadian affiliate without an LMIA, provided the worker has been with the company for at least 1 year of the past 3.
Free trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP)
Citizens of countries with active labour-mobility agreements can access LMIA-exempt streams:
- CUSMA / USMCA — US and Mexican professionals on the schedule list.
- CETA — EU contractual service suppliers and independent professionals.
- CPTPP — citizens of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and others.
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
Graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions can get an open PGWP without an LMIA. The 2024 rule changes added field-of-study restrictions for college (non-bachelor's) programs.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op streams for citizens of countries with bilateral IEC agreements. Open work permits, no LMIA, no specific employer required for Working Holiday.
Spousal open work permits
Spouses of skilled workers (TEER 0/1, plus selected TEER 2/3) and certain study permit holders can apply for an open work permit without an LMIA. Eligibility narrowed in 2024 — confirm current rules.
Recent 2026 rule changes
- Spousal open work permit eligibility narrowed (excluded several TEER 2/3 NOCs and most master's-program spouses).
- Low-wage LMIA caps tightened in many regions and refused for cities above 6% unemployment in some quarters.
- Some PGWP-eligible programs were reclassified.
This area moves fast. Always confirm on canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.
Related: LMIA Canada explained · low-wage vs high-wage LMIA.
Disclaimer
Jobeefy is not an immigration service. Always verify with an authorized immigration representative (RCIC) or immigration lawyer.