IRCC Updates Its LMIA Exemption Code Table

Posted 09/27/2021

Have you heard about Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA? This is a type of document used by a Canadian employer for them to be able to hire a foreign worker or employee. Through LMIA, a need for a foreign worker and no Canadian or permanent resident candidate is available or eligible to fill in the job opening is shown by an employer. An employer must need to apply for an LMIA if ever they need one. Once they are able to do so and received a positive LMIA, the worker may now be able to apply for a work permit provided that the worker could present the following:

Copy of the positive LMIA
LMIA number
Eligible job offer letter
And a work contract

In the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) policy; sections 204 until 208; subparagraphs 200(1).(c).(i) to (ii.1), it states that they provided a regulatory authority to issue a work permit to an applicant who is not required to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In meeting the requirements stated from sections 204 to 208 of the IRPR, there are certain circumstances that are being considered by the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship, and Canada. With this, an LMIA exemption stream is created by the department to be able to grasp other criteria and eligibilities for those situations. Stated below are the LMIA exemption codes:

Legislative Sections:

In connection to this, a unit that helps employers called the International Mobility Workers Unit (IMWU) gives opinions on whether an employer and the temporary foreign worker an employer wanted to hire is exempted or not. An employer may request an opinion from the IMWU to know if an LMIA or an exemption for a work permit applies to your case. Take note that per request only 1 LMIA or work permit exemption can be assessed by the IMWU; if you happen to submit an opinion request on more than 1 exemption, your submission will not be processed. Also, the IMWU is available only during business hours and all inquiries sent beyond business hours will be answered the following business day.