Many Canadian business are experiencing an increased labour demand, and international recruitment can be a strategic way to ensure critical roles are filled. While the international recruitment process usually begins with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), there are several LMIA-exempt pathways available to streamline the recruitment process.
In this blog, we’ll explore these alternative options and how Canadian employers can take advantage of them.
Jump ahead:
1. What is an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit?
2. What Are The Main LMIA-Exempt Recruitment Pathways?
3. Industries That Benefit from LMIA-Exempt Pathways
4. Understanding Which Roles Require an LMIA
What is an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit?
LMIA-exempt work permits allow employers to hire international workers without proving that no qualified Canadians are available to fill the role. These exemptions support Canada’s economic interests by speeding up the process for industries with high demand for skilled labour.
What Are The Main LMIA-Exempt Recruitment Pathways?
International Mobility Program (IMP): This program allows employers to hire workers without an LMIA if doing so provides significant economic benefits to Canada. Some examples include:
- Post-Graduation Work Permits: Eligible international students who have graduated from Canadian designated learning institutions can be hired without the need for an LMIA.
- Intra-Company Transfers: Large, multinational companies can transfer workers from foreign offices to Canadian locations. This is especially useful for companies with highly skilled technical roles or specialized knowledge.
- CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement): Formerly known as NAFTA, CUSMA allows hiring of certain professionals and tradespeople from the U.S. or Mexico.
- International Experience Canada: Canada has bilateral agreements with over 30 countries that allow youth to gain work experience in Canada.
- Bridging Open Work Permits: Eligible skilled worker candidates living in Canada can apply for a BOWP while their permanent residence application is being processed.
- Francophone Mobility Program: Allows Canadian employers to hire skilled francophone workers from abroad for positions outside of Quebec. This program is designed to support the growth of French-speaking communities across Canada.
Industries That Benefit from LMIA-Exempt Pathways
The trades industries, including mining, manufacturing, and forestry, often require specific expertise and skill sets that aren’t readily available in the domestic labour market. By using LMIA-exempt pathways, employers in these sectors can:
- Fill critical roles faster: Avoid the lengthy LMIA process and get the talent you need when projects are time-sensitive.
- Access specialized knowledge: Hire workers with niche skills or expertise, whether for major infrastructure projects or specialized machinery.
- Maintain competitiveness: Ensure your company remains competitive by having the right workforce to handle complex, large-scale projects.
Understanding Which Roles Require an LMIA
Despite the information available on LMIA and LMIA-exempt recruitment pathways, there can still be some uncertainties for each unique case. For example, employers may want to know if there are limits to how many workers they can hire under each stream, if the work permits will still be valid for the same length of time, if there are different regulations they will need to follow, and more. The best way to ensure your business is following all the correct procedures is to speak to a licensed professional before beginning the recruitment process.
Conclusion
LMIA-exempt recruitment pathways provide an efficient and effective way to bring in international workers. These options help employers meet their labour needs quickly and stay compliant with Canadian regulations. If you have any questions about how to get started, our team is here to help. Contact us here to learn more about how we can support your labour force needs.
