LMIA-Exempt Jobs in Canada (2025): Practical List by Pathway
Use this list to identify real LMIA-exempt options for employer-specific or category-based work permits under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). Many pathways can help you gain Canadian experience that supports a future Permanent Residence (PR) application.
Top LMIA-Exempt Pathways & Job Examples
1) CUSMA/USMCA Professionals (U.S. & Mexico)
Employer-specific work permits under a list of ~60 regulated professions.
Typical eligible job titles (examples):
- Accountant, Architect, Computer Systems Analyst
- Lawyer (incl. QC Notary), Librarian, Management Consultant
- Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist
- Medical Laboratory Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist
- Scientists (e.g., Biologist, Chemist, Geologist)
Proof of degree/credentials and a qualifying job offer are required; list of professions is fixed by treaty.
2) Intra-Company Transferees (ICT)
For multinational companies transferring talent to a Canadian parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate.
Typical eligible roles:
- Executives: CEO, COO
- Senior Managers: Operations/Engineering/IT Managers
- Specialized Knowledge Professionals: product/solutions architects, proprietary systems experts
Requires qualifying corporate relationship and prior employment abroad (generally 1 year within the last 3).
3) Other Free-Trade Agreements (CETA, CPTPP, UK-TCA, GATS)
Country-specific LMIA-exempt categories for business visitors, investors, intra-company transferees, and certain professionals/contract service suppliers.
Common professional fields: engineering & architecture, IT/consulting, management consulting, scientific/technical services, auditing/accounting (varies by agreement).
Exact eligible roles depend on your citizenship and the agreement schedule.
4) Francophone Mobility (C16) – Outside Quebec
Employer-specific LMIA-exempt permits for French-speaking or bilingual candidates hired outside Quebec.
Common job families: sales & marketing, administration/office leadership, hospitality management, engineering & tech, healthcare roles (licensure required where applicable).
Requires a qualifying job offer, French ability, and an employer offer submitted in the Employer Portal.
5) Film & Television (C14)
For essential high-wage, unionized roles in productions filming in Canada.
Typical occupations: key creative/technical production roles (e.g., production management, cinematography, specialized technical crew).
Employer must submit an offer and pay the compliance fee; TEER 0–1 roles may qualify for 2-week processing.
6) Academics & Research
LMIA-exempt categories for research and academic work tied to recognized programs.
Typical occupations: Visiting Professor, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Chair/award recipient, researchers funded by NRC/NSERC or similar programs.
7) Reciprocal Employment (incl. IEC Young Professionals)
Allows employer-specific LMIA-exempt hiring under exchange/reciprocity frameworks.
Typical occupations: a wide range of professional roles (TEER 0–3) under IEC Young Professionals for eligible nationalities; university exchanges and other reciprocal arrangements.
8) “Significant Benefit” & Entrepreneur/Self-Employed (C10/C11)
For individuals whose work creates notable economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada, or who will establish/operate a business.
Typical occupations: entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, founders/owners bringing investment, jobs, innovation or cultural value.
Requires robust evidence (e.g., business plan, financials, benefit rationale).
9) Charitable or Religious Workers (Unremunerated)
LMIA-exempt in specific unpaid roles for eligible organizations.
Generally not a PR-oriented employment path but included here for completeness.
10) Federal–Provincial Agreements
Limited LMIA-exempt cases tied to significant investment projects or specific government agreements.
Employer and project must fit a defined program; roles vary by agreement.
What This Means for You
- Jobs aren’t “LMIA-exempt” by name—the category makes them exempt. Your title must fit a qualifying pathway and you must meet its rules.
- Right pathway = faster hires, fewer costs for employers (no LMIA), and often better PR prospects via Canadian experience.
- Documentation is critical: proper job offer wording, credentials, corporate links (ICT), French ability (C16), or evidence of significant benefit (C10/C11).
Last updated: August 26, 2025. Program rules change—book a quick assessment to confirm your exact eligibility.
Why Work with a Licensed RCIC (Lawseph & Associates Inc.)
- Category strategy that matches your profile (we map your job, nationality, and employer to the correct exemption and draft the offer terms accordingly).
- Refusal-risk reduction (complete document prep, treaty/IMP code selection, benefit evidence, and submission sequencing).
- Digital-first process via our CRM Officio—clear checklists, deadline tracking, and proactive updates.
