Canada’s work permit policy has opened doors for skilled professionals, investors, and executives from over 40 countries to work in the country without the burdensome Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This policy under the LMIA-exempt work permits, effective immediately, streamlines access for nations like the United States, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore, leveraging Free Trade Agreement partnerships to boost economic growth.
But as Canada rolls out the red carpet for some, African countries have been excluded from this golden opportunity.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that no African country is eligible to enjoy Canada’s work permit policy which reduces paperwork, cost, and processing times for qualified professionals, investors, and executives applying to enter the Canadian workforce.
Before now, employers in Canada were required to obtain an LMIA to hire a foreign worker.
However, with the latest policy, citizens of FTA partner countries can apply for the LMIA-exempt work permits, bypassing requirements, provided they fall under specific eligible categories like professionals, intra-company transferees, investors, or technicians.
These exemptions apply to specific categories of workers, including:
1. Professionals
• Must hold a post-secondary degree and relevant work experience.
• Require a pre-arranged job offer in a qualifying occupation.
• Under CUSMA (US and Mexico), 63 job titles are eligible.
• Validity: Usually 1–3 years, depending on the FTA.
2. Intra-Company Transferees
• For executives, managers, or specialists transferring from an overseas branch.
•.Must have worked with the foreign company for 1 year in the past 3 years.
• Validity: Up to 5 years (varies by role and FTA).
3. Investors & Traders
• Must be establishing or managing a significant investment.
•.Alternatively, engaging in substantial trade between Canada and the home country.
•.Validity: Usually 1 year, renewable.
4. Technicians
• Available under CPTPP and CCoFTA. Requires a two-year technical diploma and 4 years of experience.
• Validity: Up to 1 year.
A breakdown of the Free Trade Agreement shows that it offers several categories for work permit applicants.
Here’s a breakdown of the main options:
1). CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement)
This fast track permits professionals, investors, traders, and transferees in the U.S, and Mexico.
2). CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement)
This covers 27 European Union countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. Also includes graduate trainees and technologists.
3). CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)
This applies to Trans-Pacific countries such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Peru.
