How to Get a Work Visa in Canada Without LMIA
Canada has numerous employment prospects for different skills basing on various opportunities and a good living standard. Having a work visa in Canada is very important for those intending to practice in this resourceful country. Another advantage attracting its potential immigrants is the opportunity to obtain a work visa without having to go through an LMIA. This blog will explain in detail on how to obtain a Canada work permit without LMIA, the available permits, the need and documents required for the permit.
Understanding the LMIA and Its Significance
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document which a Canadian employer is required to secure in order to employ a foreign worker. It acts as evidence that the hiring of a foreign worker is required to undertake certain duties that no Canadian could be hired to perform. However, getting an LMIA is time-consuming and can be a very complicated process and that is why there are so many people and companies looking on how can they be issued work permit without the LMIA.
Types of Work Permits in Canada
Canada has other categories of work permits that one can apply for excluding the LMIA. These permits fall into two main categories: includes, employer specific work permit and open work permit.
Employer-Specific Work Permits
As the name suggests employer specific work permit can only be used for working under that specific employer. While most employer-specific work permits require an LMIA, there are exceptions under certain programs and agreements, such as:
1. Intra-Company Transfers: Employees might be transferred by their employers to the company branches located in Canada without requiring getting an LMIA. The employee must have worked for the company for at least one year and in a similar capacity.
2. International Agreements: Sometimes, work permits given under agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or other trade agreements do not need an LMIA.: If hiring a foreign worker is considered to be of high social, cultural or economic value to Canada, the LMIA may not be obligatory.
