Additional Enforcement-Related Guidance For Processing LMIA-Exempt Work Permits At Canadian Ports Of Entry

Background: Employer Compliance Regime

Canadian work permits which are exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), such as the popular Intra-Company Transferee or NAFTA Professionals sub-categories, have been the focus on increased compliance measures, under both the former Conservative government and continuing with the current Liberal government. Some of the measures already introduced include the Employer Compliance fee, increased workplace inspections, and the more narrow definition of "specialized knowledge", to name a few.

Program Delivery Update (PDU) – August 29, 2016

On August 29, 2016, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a Program Delivery Update (PDU) aimed at Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers performing Immigration Secondary duties at Canadian Ports of Entry (POEs). The PDU aims to highlight the importance of enforcing existing employer compliance measures during the processing of LMIA-exempt work permits.