Individuals nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program in Canada may be eligible for a special closed work permit that allows them to work in the country while their permanent residence application is in process. This work permit is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process and can be extended under certain conditions.

Eligibility for LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

To qualify for this LMIA-exempt work permit, candidates must meet specific criteria, including having a provincial support letter and a valid job offer in a nominating province. The following requirements must be fulfilled:

• Successful nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program with a valid nomination or proof of a pending permanent residence application.
• An LMIA-exempt job offer from an employer in the nominating province.
• A work permit support letter from the nominating province demonstrating the urgent need for the nominee’s professional services.

It is essential to ensure that the nomination remains valid throughout the application process, as any changes or expiration may affect the work permit application under code T13.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide specific documentation to apply for the LMIA-exempt work permit. The following key documents are necessary for the application:

• A confirmation of nomination letter from the provincial government verifying the nomination for permanent residence.
• An LMIA-exempt offer of employment submitted through the Employer Portal, along with proof of compliance fee payment.