Overview
LMIA-exempt work permits sit under IRCC’s International Mobility Program (IMP). The employer does not need a positive LMIA, but most closed IMP hires still require:
- a valid exemption that fits the worker and job, and
- an offer of employment submitted in the Employer Portal (unless IRCC says the employer is exempt from that step), and
- a successful work permit application by the worker.
Common situations
International agreement professional or intra-company transfer
Many treaty and corporate-transfer categories are LMIA-exempt if criteria are met. Wrong exemption coding is a frequent refusal risk.
Employer already paid the compliance fee and shared an “A” number
Use that offer of employment number on your application and keep the job description consistent with the portal submission.
Employer assumes “skilled job = no LMIA”
Skill level alone does not create an exemption. Confirm the legal basis on IRCC’s exemption materials.
Comparing to TFWP/LMIA hiring
If no exemption applies, the employer may need an LMIA instead. See LMIA Work Permit.
Employer Portal and compliance fee
For most LMIA-exempt employer-specific hires:
- the employer creates an Employer Portal account
- submits the offer of employment
- pays the employer compliance fee (IRCC currently lists $CAN 230; confirm live)
IRCC Help Centre notes you generally do not pay this compliance fee when hiring someone who already holds a valid open work permit or when hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA path). Some additional compliance-fee exemptions exist—check IRCC before assuming one.
Some employers (for example certain foreign missions or international organizations) may not submit a portal offer. Follow the instructions for that exemption.
Documents workers usually need
IRCC’s LMIA-exempt document guidance commonly includes:
- employment contract / employment agreement
- offer of employment number from the Employer Portal (when required)
- standard identity documents and forms
- CAQ when Quebec rules require it
- medicals, police certificates, or biometrics when required
Fees (worker vs employer)
| Fee | Typical payer | Current IRCC list (confirm live) |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit processing | Worker | $CAN 155 |
| Employer compliance fee | Employer (most IMP offers) | $CAN 230 |
| Open work permit holder fee | Open-permit applicants | $CAN 100 (not the usual closed IMP case) |
LMIA-exempt vs open work permit
LMIA-exempt employer-specific permits still name an employer. Open permits are a separate category with their own eligibility list and usually do not use an employer LMIA or portal offer for that open authorization.
When to get help
Get help choosing between TFWP and IMP, validating exemption criteria, fixing portal/job mismatches, or coordinating inland vs outland filing.
Exemption codes are specific. Tamara can help review whether an IMP pathway fits the job and nationality facts.
Related guides
This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Confirmed a valid LMIA exemption applies to the job/worker
- Employer submitted Employer Portal offer (when required)
- Received offer of employment number (usually starts with A)
- Matched job details on forms to the portal offer
- Gathered identity documents and any CAQ/medical/biometrics needs
- Confirmed IRCC fees (worker + employer compliance where applicable)
Frequently asked questions
- Does LMIA-exempt mean no work permit?
- No. It usually means no LMIA. You still need a work permit unless a separate work-without-a-permit rule applies.
- What is the offer of employment number?
- After the employer submits an offer in the Employer Portal, IRCC generates a number (often described as starting with A followed by digits). You enter it on the work permit application when required.
- Who pays the $CAN 230 compliance fee?
- Usually the employer for IMP/LMIA-exempt offers. IRCC lists exemptions for some situations. Confirm on IRCC’s compliance-fee guidance.
- Are open work permits LMIA-exempt?
- Open work permits do not use an employer LMIA or typical Employer Portal offer for the open category itself. They are a different permit type with their own eligibility lists.
- Examples of LMIA-exempt situations?
- Common examples include certain international agreement professionals (for example some CUSMA categories), intra-company transferees, and other IMP streams. Each has detailed criteria—verify the live exemption list.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
- Get a work permit
- What is the employer compliance fee? (Help Centre 1186)
- Which work permit fees do I have to pay? (Help Centre 1306)
- Work permit documents (inside Canada)
- Citizenship and immigration fees
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.