Canada Opens LMIA-Exempt Work Permits for UK Professionals

British professionals can now obtain Canadian work permits without their employer needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment. This new pathway opened on September 1, 2026, under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The CPTPP took effect between Canada and the United Kingdom after Canada completed its ratification process in July 2026. The agreement provides access to employer-specific work permits through Canada's International Mobility Program, using the LMIA exemption code T52 for eligible professionals.

This is not an open work permit. Applicants must have a pre-arranged job offer or service contract in Canada in a qualifying occupation. They cannot travel to Canada under this agreement simply to search for work.

Eligibility Requirements for British Professionals

To qualify, a British citizen must have a job offer in an occupation listed in Canada's UK-specific CPTPP schedule. They need the required education for that occupation and at least two years of paid experience in the relevant sector. Wages must be comparable to those paid to similarly qualified professionals in the same industry and region. Applicants must also meet any licensing requirements and be admissible to Canada.

The UK schedule includes a special provision on education. Canada may consider a British professional to have met the Canadian educational requirement if they meet the equivalent UK requirement. This applies only if the Canadian employer confirms it considers the qualifications satisfactory. This provision depends on reciprocal treatment for Canadian professionals entering the UK.

Covered Professional Occupations

The agreement covers selected occupations in National Occupational Classification TEER categories 0 and 1. The list includes many fields.

Certain management and specialist occupations are covered only when the work involves specific activities like research and development, environmental services, or mining advice. A job title alone does not establish eligibility; the actual duties must match the relevant NOC occupation and the specific CPTPP commitment.

Employer Obligations and Process

The Canadian employer must complete the International Mobility Program employer compliance process, even without an LMIA. Before the worker applies, the employer generally must submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a $230 compliance fee. They must enter the correct LMIA exemption code, normally T52, and provide details on the position, wages, and work location.

The employer must offer remuneration comparable to the regional standard for the occupation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will not normally count non-cash benefits like accommodation toward this wage requirement. A salary substantially below the prevailing wage could undermine the application.

A CPTPP work permit may be issued for up to one year, with extensions possible if the worker continues to meet the requirements. The existing Trade Continuity Agreement between Canada and the UK remains in force, with the CPTPP providing an additional framework for temporary entry.