IRCC Updates LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Rules Under Reciprocal Employment

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the rules for a category of work permits that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These permits fall under the International Mobility Program and apply to workers who come to Canada through reciprocal employment arrangements.

IRCC posted the revised instructions on February 20, 2026. Officials now use the title “Reciprocal employment general guidelines [R205(b) – C20] – Canadian interests – International Mobility Program.”

The update gives immigration officers clearer direction on how to assess whether true reciprocity exists between Canada and another country.

What Reciprocity Means Now

Under the new guidance, officers must look at whether Canadian citizens or permanent residents have similar job opportunities in the country where the foreign worker lives. This change confirms that reciprocity applies not only to Canadian citizens but also to permanent residents.

The instructions also stress that the exchange must exist in the specific country where the worker comes from. Officers can no longer rely on broad examples of Canadians having opportunities somewhere overseas. They must focus on the worker’s home country.

Another important clarification states that a job offer can qualify if it helps create or maintain reciprocal employment. This means that maintaining existing roles for Canadians abroad can count toward meeting the requirement.

The earlier version of the rules used more general language and left more room for interpretation.

New Administrative Details

The revised document adds a new section about entering information into the Global Case Management System (GCMS). Officers must now ensure that the destination province and city listed by the applicant match the job offer exactly. The offer must also include the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.

The update reminds officers that some foreign nationals, such as U.S. citizens, do not need a travel document. In those cases, officers should issue the work permit for the full length of the job offer, even if the passport expires earlier.

Officials also confirm that employers do not need a formal agreement with a foreign government to use this permit. Employers, including universities and colleges, can hire workers under this stream if they show that genuine reciprocal opportunities exist and the worker meets Canada’s entry rules.

Who the Rules Cover

The changes do not apply to work permits issued through the International Experience Canada program. However, they do apply to permits issued under cultural agreements with Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, France, and China.

As before, officers must consider an organization’s history of reciprocity. If an employer or institution has limited experience with reciprocal exchanges, officers should issue fewer permits at first. Organizations with several years of proven exchanges may receive more flexibility, including broader assessments over a five-year period.

If officers refuse an application, they may advise the employer to apply for an LMIA. The worker can then submit a new application under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

IRCC says the updated rules aim to bring clarity and consistency to how officers review reciprocal employment cases across the country.