
Best Jobs in Canada That Don't Need an LMIA
OCT 12, 2021
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KAYLA PETERS
Working in Canada is the goal of many foreign nationals as Canada is known for having thousands of job opportunities in several fields, generous salaries and incredible working benefits for both the employee and their family. However, the Canadian work permit does have a reputation of being rather complicated to obtain. The process is made simpler when immigrants do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Discover the best jobs in Canada that don’t need an LMIA, and be part of an incredible Canadian workforce.
Canadian Job That Does Not Require an LMIA

What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that is required by Canadian employers before hiring a foreign national worker. A positive LMIA will show that there is in fact a need for a foreign skilled worker, as there are no Canadian citizens and permanent residents available to fill the position.
If an LMIA is needed, the employer is required to apply for one and only then may the foreign worker apply for a work permit.
The following occupations don’t require an LMIA:
1. Computer and Information Systems Manager
- NOC Code - 0213
- Average Yearly Salary - $93,039
As a computer and information systems manager, your aim is to help set technical and business goals as well as create detailed plans to accomplish those set goals. To succeed in this occupation you will need to understand both technology and business in depth.
Other duties include:
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for electronic data processing and computer systems development and operations;
- Assemble and manage teams of information systems personnel to design, develop, implement, operate and administer computer and telecommunications software, networks and information systems;
- Control the budget and expenditures of the department, company or project;
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of information systems and electronic data processing (EDP) departments and companies.
2. Self-employed Engineer
- NOC Code - 2131
- Average Yearly Salary - $72,731
As a civil engineer, you would design and build roads, bridges, railways or tunnels. As well as any large or complicated structures such as multi-story car parks, stadiums and airports. The civil engineer occupation is also in demand in Canada.
As a civil engineer working in Canada, your duties would generally include:
- Discuss with clients and other members of the engineering team and conduct research to determine project requirements;
- Evaluate and recommend appropriate building and construction materials;
- Plan and design major civil projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, water and waste management systems and structural steel fabrications;
- Supervise technicians, technologists and other engineers and review and approve designs, calculations and cost estimates;
- Ensure construction plans meet guidelines and specifications of building codes and other regulations.
3. Authors & Writers
- NOC Code - 5121
- Average Yearly Salary - $44,798
An author or writer develops content for several types of media forms including magazines, blogs, social media, plays or movie scripts. As a writer, you can choose what you want to write about and find a job around that passion. It’s also one of the best jobs in Canada that does not need an LMIA if you want to travel around Canada as you can write from anywhere. All you will need is a laptop and wifi.
As a writer, the typical daily tasks would include:
Technical writers
- You will need to study the material, such as the specifications, notes and drawings and write manuals or user guides to explain clearly and briefly about the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment.
Copywriters
- Study and determine the selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials. Your main goal would be to either convert sales or bring new customers to the business.
4. Web Designers and Developers
- NOC Code - 2175
- Average Yearly Salary - $47,790
Web designers generally plan, create and code internet sites or web pages in terms of layout and design. The great thing about being a web designer or developer is that you are able to work from home or do freelancing and work for yourself. The general duties of a web designer and developer are :
- Consult with clients to develop and document website requirements;
- Prepare mock-ups and storyboards;
- Develop website architecture and determine hardware and software requirements;
- Source, select and organize information for inclusion and design the appearance, layout and flow of the website; and
- Create and optimize content for the website using a variety of graphics, databases, animation and other software.
5. Managers for publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
- NOC Code - 0512
- Average Yearly Salary - $66,121
For this NOC, managers are employed by radio and television stations, newspaper, periodical and book publishing firms, or by theatre, record and video production companies. Your duties for this role will typically be:
- Establish procedures and implement policies in newspaper and publishing firms, in film, theatre, record and video production companies, and in radio and television stations;
- Plan and maintain production schedules for publications, films, broadcasts, and theatre, record and video productions;
- Prepare and control budgets;
- Hire and supervise staff;
- Consult with government regulatory agencies to evaluate and review programs and policies, and to ensure conformance with regulations; and
- Initiate or approve the development of articles, books, films, broadcasts, musical recordings and theatre productions, and liaise with authors, composers, producers and directors.
Other LMIA-Exempt Job in Canada

There are various other options to work in Canada without the need for an LMIA than those listed above. They include the following:
1. If you are a worker from countries that have an International Agreement with Canada
The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (CUSMA) is an International Agreement that allows eligible workers, traders, and investors to come to Canada without needing an LMIA.
What the CUSMA does:
- CUSMA helps temporary entry for business persons who are citizens of the U.S., Mexico and Canada and who are involved in the trade of goods or services, or in investment activities.;
- CUSMA removes the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for all business persons covered by the Agreement.;
- In the case of a business visitor, it ensures that there is no requirement for a work permit.; and
- For professionals that are Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) exempt, it speeds up the application process by ensuring an application can be made at the port of entry. Foreign nationals that require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada are still required to apply at a visa office before coming to Canada.
2. Receive an open Canadian work permit from Hong Kong
As a Hong Kong recent graduate, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit under a temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents. This permit also exempts you from needing an LMIA. The open work permit is valid for up to three years and the processing time is as short as two weeks.
If you are applying from outside of Canada, you will need the following:
- A copy of your work history;
- Copy of education credential, transcripts, or proof of enrolment at a post-secondary educational institution;
- Copy of your HKSAR or BNO passport (all pages must be included);
- Digital photo; and.
- Family Information Form (IMM 5707).
Working in Canada as a Foreign National

Although the Canadian work permit process is known to be a confusing and sometimes difficult process, it is definitely well worth it. Foreign nationals receive several benefits from working in Canada, from paid leave and healthy working hours to generous health packages and even immigration opportunities.
With the help of mdccanada.ca and the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), we work with your journey to working in the best jobs in Canada that don’t need an LMIA can be a simple and easy one.