Most work permit applicants to Canada will typically need their potential employer to first obtain a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (“LMIA“) before they apply for their work permit. This is an arduous process which generally requires that the potential employer conduct recruitment, pay a $1,000.00 processing fee, a mandatory interview, and uncertainty for a period of several weeks to months. However, there are several exemptions to the LMIA requirement. One of these exemptions is where the entry of the prospective foreign worker would create or maintain significant social, cultural, or economic benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. These work permits are typically known as Significant Benefit Work Permits, or C-10 Work Permits. Legislation Regulation 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) states: A work permit may be issued under section 200 to a foreign national who intends to perform work that (a) would create or maintain significant social, cultural or economic benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents Guidance The general requirement of a C-10 work permit is that it “should not be used for the sake of convenience, nor in any other manner that would undermine or try to circumvent the importance of … Read More