If you’re planning to work in Canada this year, you’ve likely come across the term “LMIA.” It’s one of the most searched—and misunderstood—topics. Many applicants are asking whether they qualify for a Canada work permit LMIA-exempt in 2025, and the truth is, it depends entirely on your situation.
Some jobs and applicant types don’t require an LMIA at all. Others do—and assuming wrong could set you back months. This article breaks down how LMIA exemptions work, who qualifies, and what’s changed this year—so you can move forward with confidence.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in Canada – What They Are and Who Qualifies
You might not need an LMIA to work in Canada. That depends on your situation.
Some permits fall under what’s called the International Mobility Program. These don’t require employers to prove they couldn’t find a Canadian for the job. If you’ve been offered work through certain agreements or programs, you might be eligible.
Here’s when an LMIA usually isn’t needed:
- Your company is moving you to a Canadian office
- You’re from a country with a trade deal (like CUSMA), and the role qualifies
- You’ve applied for permanent residency and need a permit while it processes
- You’re married to a skilled worker or an international student
- You’ve been hired for academic, nonprofit, or religious work under public policy rules
If you’re looking into a work permit without LMIA, check where your offer fits. The main categories haven’t changed much this year, but the way applications are submitted has. For example, most employers now have to use the portal before you apply.
Who Still Needs an LMIA for a Work Permit?
Not every job skips the LMIA. In fact, most don’t.
If your offer doesn’t fall under an exemption, your employer will need to apply for an LMIA before you can get a work permit. That means proving they tried to hire a Canadian first and that you’re filling a real need.
You’ll probably need an LMIA if:
- The job is entry-level or in a lower wage bracket
- It’s outside any trade deal or public policy stream
- The employer hasn’t used the official portal or doesn’t have an exemption code
- It’s in a sector like retail, general labour, or certain hospitality roles
There are also employer-specific work permits. These tie you to one company. If the job doesn’t fall under a special exemption, that employer will need to secure an LMIA before you can apply.
If you’re not sure where your offer stands, check the details carefully. One wrong assumption could cost you months.
Can PGWP Holders Avoid an LMIA in 2025?
If you’re on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you probably know it has an expiry date. And no, it can’t be extended. Once it runs out, you’re left with a decision to make.
Now the common question: Does PGWP need LMIA after it ends? The answer depends on what you do next.
If you apply for permanent residence and qualify, you can get a bridging open work permit. No LMIA needed. If you’re married to someone on a valid study or work permit, you might qualify for a spousal open permit—again, no LMIA.
But if either of those does not cover you, and you want to keep working, your employer will likely need to get an LMIA. This is especially true if the job doesn’t fall under an exemption.
The PGWP itself doesn’t require an LMIA. But once it’s over, and you’re not in an exempt category, that changes.
Most Common LMIA-Exempt Jobs in Canada in 2025
Some jobs are more likely to qualify for an LMIA exemption. It depends on how the role fits into a broader agreement or public policy. If you’re aiming for a work permit without LMIA, these are some of the paths that tend to qualify.
Here’s a breakdown of job types we see most often:
- IT and tech roles — especially if you're being transferred from a global company into a Canadian branch
- Researchers and postdocs — hired by Canadian universities or research institutions
- Senior managers or executives — usually through intra-company transfers
- Religious leaders — like pastors or clergy hired by faith organizations
- Spouses of skilled workers — often working in healthcare, engineering, or the trades
This isn’t a full list of LMIA-exempt jobs in Canada, but it covers the more common ones in 2025. Some positions may qualify even if they’re not widely advertised—so the best step is to check based on your employer and job offer.
Should You Pursue an LMIA-Exempt Path?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some applicants clearly fall under LMIA-exempt categories—others don’t. The best option depends on your job offer, your employer, and your long-term goals in Canada.
If you’re being transferred by your company, working in a role tied to a trade agreement, or applying through a public interest stream, an LMIA probably isn’t needed. On the other hand, if you’ve been offered a position outside those streams—especially in entry-level or hourly roles—your employer may need to go through the LMIA process.
Think about:
- What kind of job have you been offered
- Whether your employer qualifies for an exemption
- If you're already in Canada or applying from outside
- Whether you’ve applied for permanent residence
Trying to figure out if you qualify for a Canada work permit LMIA-exempt path? The fastest way is to review your job offer against the current exemption codes. If you’re not sure, book a consultation with someone who’s RCIC-certified. One short review can save you weeks of paperwork—or worse, a rejection.
What to Do Next
LMIA exemptions aren’t guesswork. You need to know if your offer qualifies—before you apply.
Review your job title, employer type, and stream eligibility. If it doesn’t clearly fall under an exemption, get it checked. A wrong assumption can cost time, status, or a valid permit.
Book a consultation with WEICS Today. Get a definitive answer—and your next step laid out.