Canada’s International Mobility Program contains specific LMIA exemptions. The employer and worker must fit the exemption’s legal criteria; calling a position beneficial or specialized is not enough.
What must be assessed
- Exact exemption code and legal criteria
- Employer Portal offer and compliance fee where required
- Evidence supporting the exemption
- Worker’s qualifications for the offered role
- Wage, occupation and working conditions
How we approach a LMIA-Exempt Work Permit matter
- Review eligibility, status, immigration history and the intended outcome.
- Identify the controlling requirements, weaknesses and time-sensitive issues.
- Build an evidence plan that matches the facts rather than relying on generic document lists.
- Prepare forms and written representations for consistency, accuracy and material disclosure.
- Review the final record before submission and advise on later requests or developments within the retainer.
Common reasons applications become difficult
Problems often arise from inconsistent forms, unexplained gaps, weak source documents, assumptions based on outdated program information or failure to disclose a prior refusal or status issue. A complete application should make the relevant facts easy to verify and should address foreseeable concerns directly.
Frequently asked questions
Does LMIA-exempt mean no employer paperwork?
Not necessarily. Many employer-specific LMIA-exempt applications require an Employer Portal submission and compliance fee before the worker applies.
Can approval be guaranteed?
No. The decision belongs to the responsible Canadian authority. Professional representation improves preparation and clarity but cannot guarantee an outcome.
Where can I confirm the current government requirements?
Review the official Government of Canada immigration information. Requirements can change, and case-specific advice should be based on the rules in force when you apply.
Immigration criteria, document requirements and public policies can change. Advice should be based on the rules and facts applicable when you apply.