Not every job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Professors, pastors, artists, athletes, executives, French-speaking professionals, and other occupations often qualify. These are LMIA-exempt cases find out if yours is one.
If you qualify for this exception under the IMP, the process can skip the LMIA entirely meaning lower costs, faster results, and fewer risks.
Canada can approve certain work permits without the Labour Market Impact Assessment when there’s a recognized public, cultural, or economic benefit. It’s called the International Mobility Program (IMP) the same program used by universities, ministries, and global companies.
People in specific professional contexts often fit: professors and researchers invited by Canadian institutions, pastors and ministry leaders joining religious communities, artists, athletes, executives transferred within a global group, and professionals with French as their main working language outside Quebec.
The process skips the LMIA, meaning your employer doesn’t need job advertising or recruitment proof. You can usually apply directly for a work permit, pay lower fees, and move forward faster with a clearer approval path.
Larissa Castelluber, RCIC has helped professionals and families secure Canadian work authorization. Your application is built with precision to maximize your chances of approval.
The categories below outline LMIA-exempt options. Every section provides a concise explanation and examples of common profiles for quick self-assessment.
For French-speaking professionals who have a valid job offer outside Quebec and meet the language requirements.
Supports hiring francophone talent across Canada outside of Quebec. The job itself does not have to be in French.
For individuals invited by Canadian faith-based organizations or churches to perform religious duties and community support roles.
Authorization for pastors, ministers, missionaries, and spiritual leaders whose presence benefits a Canadian congregation.
Treaties like CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP allow eligible citizens to work in covered roles without an LMIA.
LMIA-exempt entries created by trade agreements between Canada and partner countries.
for professors, researchers, and visiting scholars invited by Canadian universities or recognized post-secondary institutions.
A simplified path that allows academic professionals to contribute to research, teaching, and institutional development.
For executives, managers, and specialists relocating within the same corporate group to a Canadian entity.
Mobility pathway that lets global companies move talent to Canada without proving local recruitment.
For artists, performers, and athletes whose work promotes cultural exchange, creativity, or athletic excellence in Canada.
Available to cultural organizations, bringing recognized professionals to contribute to Canada’s arts, culture, or sports.
Start with a consultation. We’ll confirm if an IMP category applies to your case and outline a clear, compliant path forward.
Start NowNo. The International Mobility Program (IMP) includes categories that do not require an LMIA when specific criteria are met.
Yes — religious-nature roles can qualify under the IMP. The nature of the activity and your ties with the hosting institution are essential to the analysis.
Possibly. ICTs commonly fit for executives, managers, or specialists transferred within the same corporate group.
It may indicate Francophone Mobility (C16), provided French is the main language of work and there is a suitable job offer outside Quebec.