Treaty Work Permit for Professionals
LMIA-exempt work permits for citizens of free-trade partner countries coming to work in Canada in a listed profession. No labour market test, and often issued on arrival.
LMIA-exempt work permits for citizens of a free-trade-partner country coming to work in an approved profession. The Canadian company is exempted from going through the mandatory labour market tests such as LMIA or Global Talent Stream but must submit an online job offer through the IRCC Employer Portal to generate a unique code for the foreign worker to apply for a work permit. This stream can be used for foreign workers outside Canada and inside Canada alike.
Canada's free-trade agreements let citizens of partner countries work in Canada in specific pre-approved professions without an LMIA. Because there's no labour market test, these permits are among the fastest employer-linked routes. Citizens of visa-free countries can apply for a work permit on arrival at the port of entry and avoid processing wait times at the local visa office in their country of residence.
The catch is precision: the occupation must appear on the agreement's list and the foreign worker must meet its exact credential requirements. Each agreement has its own occupation list, which must be checked and confirmed with a licensed professional before proceeding. For qualifying professionals with a Canadian job offer, this process is faster and cheaper than an LMIA-based permit.
Who is it for?
For citizens of a free-trade partner, such as CUSMA (US and Mexico), the European Union and the UK, CPTPP (Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam), WTO members under GATS, and independent partners South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Applicants must secure a Canadian job offer in a listed professional occupation specific to each country and have the credentials to match the requirements.
It is perfect for professionals who want a fast, LMIA-free route and whose citizenship and field line up with a treaty list. Also applicable to foreign workers already in Canada working with Canadian companies who are looking to extend their work authorization.
What are the requirements
Qualifying Nationality
The applicant must be a citizen of a country with a relevant free-trade agreement with Canada.
Listed Profession
The applicant's occupation must be on that agreement's list of covered professions.
Credentials for the Profession
The applicant must hold the specific education, licensing, or other professional credentials the agreement requires for that occupation.
Job Offer or Contract in Canada
The applicant requires a Canadian job offer or service contract consistent with the covered profession to be able to apply for the work permit.
Visa Timeline
Concord Processing Time
Premium Processing Time
Standard Processing Time
Assessment of the applicant and the Canadian job offer.
2-3 business days from receipt of mandatory documents
Work permit application drafted.
5 business days from receipt of mandatory information and documents
Work permit application submitted.
3-5 business days from receipt of signed forms and support letters
Varies by method of application
Varies by method of application
10-20 days to prepare the work permit application ready for submission
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