Work in Canada Without an LMIA: Explore FTA-Based Work Permits for Eligible Countries
Canada has opened doors for international talent through its numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). If you’re a citizen of a country that holds an FTA with Canada, you may be able to secure a work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — a process that typically slows down and complicates Canadian hiring.
This blog explains everything you need to know about LMIA-exempt work permits through FTAs, which countries are eligible, and how to apply.
🌐 Why LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Matter
Securing an LMIA can be challenging — it demands time, employer compliance, and proof that no Canadians are available for the job. But under FTAs, citizens of select countries can bypass this step, making the process faster and smoother.
By using international agreements, such as CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, and others, Canada facilitates the temporary entry of skilled professionals, executives, investors, and technicians from partner countries.
🧾 Countries Eligible for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
If you belong to one of the countries below, you could qualify under one or more of Canada’s Free Trade Agreements.
| Country | Applicable FTA(s) |
|---|---|
| Australia | CPTPP |
| Austria | CETA |
| Belgium | CETA |
| Brunei | CPTPP |
| Bulgaria | CETA |
| Chile | CPTPP, CCFTA |
| Colombia | CCOFTA |
| Croatia | CETA |
| Cyprus | CETA |
| Czechia | CETA |
| Denmark | CETA |
| Estonia | CETA |
| Finland | CETA |
| France | CETA |
| Germany | CETA |
| Greece | CETA |
| Hungary | CETA |
| Ireland | CETA |
| Italy | CETA |
| Japan | CPTPP |
| Latvia | CETA |
| Lithuania | CETA |
| Luxembourg | CETA |
| Malaysia | CPTPP |
| Malta | CETA |
| Mexico | CUSMA, CPTPP |
| Netherlands | CETA |
| New Zealand | CPTPP |
| Peru | CPTPP |
| Poland | CETA |
| Portugal | CETA |
| Romania | CETA |
| Singapore | CPTPP |
| Slovakia | CETA |
| Slovenia | CETA |
| Spain | CETA |
| Sweden | CETA |
| United States | CUSMA |
| Vietnam | CPTPP |
🧑💼 Who Qualifies Under These FTAs?
While each FTA has its own framework, most LMIA-exempt permits fall into the following categories:
1. Professional Workers
If you have a job offer in a qualified occupation (such as engineering, IT, finance, or healthcare), you may be eligible under several agreements. You’ll need to show proof of academic qualifications and meet any licensing standards required in Canada.
2. Intra-Company Transfers
This applies to employees of international companies relocating to their Canadian branches. You must have held a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position for at least a year with the company abroad.
3. Investors and Traders
Citizens looking to invest in or trade substantially with Canada may qualify. This includes senior executives or specialists sent to manage Canadian operations or oversee key investments.
4. Technicians & Technologists
Some agreements recognize technically skilled roles—ideal for applicants with a two- or three-year diploma and multiple years of work experience in that field.
📝 Application Process for FTA Work Permits
Getting a work permit through an FTA is generally a two-part process—employer steps followed by employee action.
For Employers
- Submit the job offer through Canada’s Employer Portal
- Pay the employer compliance fee ($230 CAD)
- Provide the job offer number to the worker
For Employees
- Confirm eligibility based on your country and job category
- Collect documents (job offer, degree, experience proof, certifications)
- Pay the application fee ($155 CAD) + biometrics fee if required ($85 CAD)
- Apply through IRCC’s online platform
- Complete biometrics and medicals if needed
⏱ Estimated processing time: Between 3 weeks and 5 months, depending on your country and visa category
✅ Advantages of FTA-Based Work Permits
Choosing this pathway has clear advantages:
- No LMIA required
- Faster processing
- No need for employers to advertise the job
- Often renewable or convertible into a PR-eligible status
- Ideal for experienced professionals, business leaders, and skilled technicians
🔍 Is This a Pathway to Permanent Residency?
Yes! In most cases, experience gained under an LMIA-exempt work permit counts towards Canadian immigration programs like:
- Express Entry (CEC, FSW)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Agri-Food and Global Talent Streams
📣 Get Expert Help With Your LMIA-Exempt Work Visa
Not sure if you qualify? At [Your Company Name], we specialize in helping individuals from FTA countries obtain LMIA-exempt work permits for Canada. Our team provides:
- Personalized eligibility assessments
- Full documentation and application support
- Employer onboarding for compliance
- Fast-tracked processing advice