When planning to move abroad for work, understanding the visa landscape is crucial, especially for job seekers aiming to work in Canada. One important concept in this space is the LMIA-exempt work visa.
Recent changes to Canada’s LMIA policies in 2024 have impacted how employers and foreign workers navigate the system, emphasizing the importance of staying informed. This article breaks down what an LMIA-exempt work visa entails, highlights 20 top companies that are likely to offer LMIA-exempt opportunities in 2025, and points you to the best resources for understanding these policies and updates.
What Is an LMIA-Exempt Work Visa as per 2024 Updates?
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that employers in Canada typically need to obtain to hire foreign workers. It proves that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill a position and that no Canadian worker is available to do so. However, an LMIA-exempt work visa allows foreign nationals to bypass this step, simplifying the process for both the worker and the employer.
Significant policy updates in 2024 have added nuances to the LMIA and LMIA-exempt categories. For instance, new regulations have reduced the cap on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers and shortened the maximum duration of employment for these positions from 2 years to 1 year. Additionally, the validity period of new LMIAs has been reduced to 6 months to align with current labor market conditions. Notably, a new LMIA-exempt work permit was introduced for select tech companies under the Innovation Stream, targeting highly skilled tech professionals.
Understanding these updates is essential for any job seeker interested in working in Canada under an LMIA-exempt category.
Eligibility for LMIA-Exempt Work Visas
LMIA exemptions fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP https://immigration.ca/international-mobility-program/) and are granted based on various categories:
- International Agreements: Workers covered under trade agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
- Federal-Provincial Agreements: Workers moving to Canada under agreements between the federal government and specific provinces or territories.
- Canadian Interests: Workers whose employment would be a net positive for Canada, such as researchers, entrepreneurs, or those with unique, specialized skills.
- Other Categories: This includes intra-company transferees, investors with significant stakes in Canada, and certain charitable or religious workers.
Companies Qualifying to Hire Under LMIA-Exempt Categories in 2025
While it’s not possible to list every company definitively, these types of organizations often hire under LMIA-exempt provisions:
| No. | Company Name | Industry | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ada Support Inc. | Artificial Intelligence | Specializes in AI-driven customer service solutions. Offers remote work options. |
| 2 | AlayaCare | Healthcare Technology | Provides cloud-based software for home care services. Has offices in Montreal and Toronto. |
| 3 | CellCarta | Biotechnology | Focuses on biomarker research for personalized medicine. |
| 4 | Clarius Mobile Health | Medical Devices | Develops portable ultrasound devices. Recognized for hybrid work options. |
| 5 | Clio | Legal Technology | Offers cloud-based software for law firms with flexible work arrangements. |
| 6 | Lightspeed Commerce | E-commerce | Provides a commerce platform for retail and hospitality businesses. |
| 7 | Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group | Pharmaceuticals | Develops new medicines with hybrid teleworking and flexible schedules. |
| 8 | Vive Crop Protection | Agricultural Technology | Innovates in crop protection products. |
| 9 | Shopify | E-commerce | Platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. |
| 10 | OpenAI | Artificial Intelligence | Engages in AI research and technology deployment. |
| 11 | Tesla | Automotive and Energy | Focuses on electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. |
| 12 | University of Toronto | Education | One of Canada’s leading universities; hires international researchers. |
| 13 | McGill University | Education | Renowned for research and academic excellence; offers LMIA-exempt positions. |
| 14 | University of British Columbia | Education | Top-tier research university employing international staff. |
| 15 | National Arts Centre | Arts and Culture | Hosts performances and hires international artists and performers. |
| 16 | The Banff Centre | Arts and Leadership | Offers arts and leadership programs; engages international talent. |
| 17 | United Nations (UN) Offices | International Organization | Employs staff from various countries on global policy and issues. |
| 18 | World Health Organization (WHO) | International Health | Focuses on global health concerns with positions for international experts. |
| 19 | Shell Canada | Energy | Operates in oil and gas sectors, engaging international professionals. |
| 20 | Siemens Canada | Engineering and Technology | Provides electrification, automation, and digitalization solutions; known for hiring globally. |
References
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers.html
- https://immigration.ca/labour-market-impact-assessments-lmia-in-canada/.
