Obtaining a Work Permit without LMIA

You can obtain a Work Permit without LMIA if you’re an entrepreneur or repair/maintenance worker , religious worker or athlete/coach. Please read the below information to find out more details on how to get permanent residence in Canada.

***Entrepreneurs: Repair Workers: Religious Workers: Coaches***

1. If you’re an entrepreneur: Employer-specific work permit Labor Market Impact Assessment Exempted i.e., you can obtain Canadian work permit without LMIA. Eligibility requirement:
   • Intend to operate a business in Canada that would create or maintain significant social, cultural or economic benefits, or jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada;
   • Meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit;
   • Submit an offer of employment to IRCC, Pay a $230 employer compliance fee, and have an offer of employment number.
2. Repair or maintenance worker for industrial or commercial equipment: Employer-specific work permit Labor Market Impact Assessment Exempted i.e., you can obtain Canadian work permit without LMIA. Eligibility requirement:
   • Must enter Canada to make emergency repairs to industrial equipment or repairs to out-of-warranty equipment;
   • Failure to complete these repairs could result in a disruption of employment for Canadians, and
   • Meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit;
   • Submit an offer of employment to IRCC, Pay a $230 employer compliance fee, and have an offer of employment number.
3. Religious worker or someone doing charitable work: Employer-specific work permit Labor Market Impact Assessment Exempted i.e., you can obtain Canadian work permit without LMIA.Eligibility requirement:
   • Work will relieve poverty, advance education or address another community need; and it is a paid job. A religious worker provide religious instruction, promote a faith, or do similar work that has a religious objective;
   • Meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit;
   • Submit an offer of employment to IRCC, Pay a $230 employer compliance fee, and have an offer of employment number.
4. Professional athlete or coach: Employer-specific work permit Labor Market Impact Assessment Exempted i.e., you can obtain Canadian work permit without LMIA.Eligibility requirement:
   • It is possible if Canadians would also be able to work as professional athletes or coaches in your home country;
   • Must be a professional athlete or coach for a Canadian team, and
   • Meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit;
   • Submit an offer of employment to IRCC, Pay a $230 employer compliance fee, and have an offer of employment number.