Work in Canada Without an LMIA: A Guide for Citizens of FTA Countries

Are you a citizen of a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada? If so, you may have a significant advantage when it comes to working in Canada—you may not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to get a work permit.

An LMIA is often a required document that proves there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job, and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do it. It’s a time-consuming and expensive process for both employers and applicants. But if you’re eligible under a Free Trade Agreement, you can bypass this step entirely.

In this article, we explore:

• Which countries qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits under FTAs;

• The types of LMIA-exempt work permits available;

• Specific eligibility requirements under major FTAs like CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, CCFTA, and CCoFTA;

• How to apply for an LMIA-exempt work permit under these agreements.

🌍 What is an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit?

Under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), certain foreign nationals can obtain a work permit without needing an LMIA. These LMIA-exempt permits are often granted due to:

• Reciprocal employment agreements (like FTAs),

• Intra-company transfers,

• Significant benefit to Canada (e.g., entrepreneurs, researchers, or cultural figures),

• Youth mobility agreements.

For many professionals and skilled workers, FTAs are the most straightforward path to an LMIA-exempt work permit.

📜 List of Countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Citizens of the following countries may be eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits under one or more FTAs:

CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement):
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership):
Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam

CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement):
United States, Mexico

CCFTA (Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement):
Chile

CCoFTA (Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement):
Colombia

If your country is on this list, you could be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit under an FTA.

📌 Common LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Categories under FTAs

Most FTAs provide pathways for the following categories:

1. Professionals

You have a pre-arranged job offer in Canada in a skilled profession. You must meet the educational and certification requirements for your occupation.

2. Intra-Company Transferees

You work for a multinational company and are being transferred to a Canadian branch. You must have worked for your employer for a certain period (usually one year in the last three years).

3. Investors

You are coming to Canada to establish, develop, or manage a substantial investment. You may be a key executive or specialist involved in the investment.

4. Traders

You carry out substantial trade in goods or services between your home country and Canada. You must hold a supervisory or executive position related to the trade.

5. Technicians

Applicable in certain FTAs (like CPTPP), technicians are skilled workers with specific post-secondary qualifications and experience.

🇨🇦 CUSMA: For Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) allows citizens of the U.S. and Mexico to work in Canada without an LMIA in the following categories:

➤ Professionals

There are 63 eligible CUSMA occupations (e.g., engineers, scientists, IT professionals, accountants). You must have a degree and the relevant credentials.

Permit Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable)

➤ Intra-Company Transferees

Executives, senior managers, and workers with specialized knowledge may qualify.

Permit Duration: Up to 5 years (executives/managers); 3 years (specialists)

➤ Investors & Traders

You must prove your role in trade or investment between Canada and your home country.

Permit Duration: 1 year (renewable)

🇪🇺 CETA: For Citizens of EU Member States

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) covers all 27 EU countries. LMIA exemptions exist for:

➤ Professionals (Contractual or Independent)

You must have a degree, relevant certifications, and a contract with a Canadian company.

Permit Duration: 12 months (out of a 24-month period)

➤ Intra-Company Transferees

Executives, specialists, and graduate trainees must have worked with the EU employer for at least a year.

Permit Duration: 3 years (executives/specialists); 1 year (trainees)

➤ Investors

Those who manage substantial EU investments in Canadian businesses may qualify.

Permit Duration: Up to 12 months

➤ Technologists

Applicable for engineering or scientific technologists with a 3-year post-secondary qualification and 3 years’ experience.

🌏 CPTPP: Indo-Pacific Countries

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) allows citizens of signatory countries to apply under:

➤ Professionals

Must hold a four-year degree and have two years of relevant experience.

Permit Duration: Up to 1 year

➤ Intra-Company Transferees

Same criteria as other FTAs: 1 year of prior employment.

Permit Duration: Up to 3 years

➤ Investors

You must actively invest and have an executive or advisory role.

Permit Duration: Up to 1 year

➤ Technicians

Two-year technical degree + 4 years’ experience in the field. Only available to select CPTPP nations.

🇨🇱 CCFTA: For Citizens of Chile

Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) provides LMIA-exempt permits to:

➤ Professionals

General, scientific, and teaching occupations qualify with proper certification.

Permit Duration: Up to 3 years

➤ Intra-Company Transferees

Managers, executives, and specialists with at least 1 year of experience.

Permit Duration: Up to 5 years

➤ Investors & Traders

You must engage in substantial trade or manage a Canadian investment.

Permit Duration: Up to 1 year

🇨🇴 CCoFTA: For Citizens of Colombia

Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA) offers LMIA exemptions for:

➤ Professionals

TEER 0 or 1 occupations with a four-year degree.

Permit Duration: Up to 1 year

➤ Intra-Company Transferees

Managers, executives, and specialists with at least 6 months’ experience.

Permit Duration: Up to 3 years

➤ Technicians

Two-year diploma holders with work experience in TEER 2 or 3 occupations.

Permit Duration: 1 year

➤ Traders & Investors

Must be engaged in or supporting trade/investment between Colombia and Canada.

Permit Duration: 1 year

📝 How to Apply for an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

For Employers:

1. Submit job offer through the Employer Portal

2. Pay the employer compliance fee (CAD $230)

3. Provide the Offer of Employment number to the worker

For Foreign Workers:

1. Confirm your eligibility based on your nationality and FTA category

2. Read the IRCC instruction guide for your specific FTA

3. Gather required documents: contracts, credentials, proof of experience, etc.

4. Pay the work permit fee (CAD $155) + biometrics fee (if applicable, CAD $85)

5. Submit your application online to IRCC

Biometrics and Admissibility:

Depending on your country, you may need to submit biometrics. All applicants must be admissible to Canada, meaning you must have a clean background, no serious health issues, and proper documentation.

⏳ Processing Time

LMIA-exempt work permit processing times depend on your country of residence but generally range from 3 weeks to 5 months. Using a professional immigration representative can help reduce delays and ensure your application is complete.

🤔 Why Choose an FTA Work Permit?

✅ No LMIA Needed
✅ Faster processing
✅ Fewer employer requirements
✅ Multiple eligible occupations
✅ Renewable permits
✅ Pathway to permanent residence in some cases

🤝 How Guide Me Immigration Can Help

Navigating the FTA-based work permit process can be complex, especially when it comes to eligibility, document preparation, and submission. At Guide Me Immigration, we offer expert, personalized support to help you:

• Determine if your country and profession are eligible

• Match you with an LMIA-exempt employer (if applicable)

• Prepare a strong, complete work permit application

• Assist with biometrics, travel planning, and settlement services

• Explore permanent residency pathways after your work permit

📍 Contact Guide Me Immigration Today

Take the first step toward working in Canada without the hassle of an LMIA. Let us guide you through the process and help you succeed.

📍 Saskatoon Office: 535 20th St W, Unit-C, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0X6
📍 Regina Office: Unit 170 – 2410 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4R 1H6
📍 Dhaka Office: Apt-2D, H-396, R-6 Avenue 3, Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka 1216
🌐 Website: www.guidemeimmigration.com
✉ Email: info@guidemeimmigration.com
📞 Phone: +1 (306) 700 7440

🎯 Final Thoughts

If you’re from one of the countries listed under Canada’s Free Trade Agreements, you may be closer than you think to working in Canada—without needing an LMIA. With the right support and documentation, the process can be quick and straightforward. Contact Guide Me Immigration today to explore your options and get started on your Canadian journey.

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