Pathway guides

The ways employers bring people to Canada

What each pathway is for, what it asks of you and the worker, and what to watch out for, with links to the official pages. Not sure which fits? Start the employer assessment, and a lawyer reviews the options with your answers.

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Intra-company transfer

Bring an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee from your company abroad to Canada without an LMIA.

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Significant benefit to Canada (C10)

Hire without an LMIA when the work brings a clear, documented benefit to Canada.

Read the guide

Free trade agreements

Hire or transfer citizens of trade agreement countries without an LMIA, under CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP and other agreements.

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Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Hire a foreign worker after showing ESDC that no Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job.

Read the guide

Reciprocal employment (C20)

Hire without an LMIA when the job is part of an exchange that also gives Canadians jobs abroad.

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Compliance Automation

Track every foreign worker's permit and meet your employer duties under both programs, ready for an inspection.

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Francophone Mobility (C16)

Hire a French-speaking worker for a job outside Quebec without an LMIA.

Read the guide

Business visitors and short-term work without a permit

Bring someone in for meetings, training or a short assignment without a work permit, when the rules allow.

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Keep your foreign workers

Renew or change a worker's permit without a gap, and help them and their family stay for good.

Read the guide