LMIA-Exempt Work Permit FAQs (C-51 / C-50)

Frequently asked questions about LMIA-exempt work permits under the International Mobility Program, including C-51 intra-company transfers, C-50 significant benefit work permits, francophone mobility, and maintaining status while applications are processed.

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LMIA-Exempt Work Permit FAQs (C-51 / C-50)

What exactly is a C-51 LMIA-exempt work permit?

Is C-51 the same as the religious worker exemption?

What type of work must an applicant perform under C-51?

Would an administrative position at a registered charity normally qualify for C-51?

Would distributing food at a charitable soup kitchen potentially qualify?

Does the job title determine whether C-51 applies?

Can a registered charity automatically qualify an employee for a C-51 work permit?

What charitable purposes can potentially support a C-51 application?

What does the employer have to do before the worker applies?

Can C-51 charitable work be unpaid?

Can the applicant also be exempt from the $155 work-permit processing fee for unpaid charitable work?

Does unpaid C-51 work automatically count as Canadian work experience for Express Entry?

If someone wants C-51 work experience to support Express Entry, what should they consider?

Does a C-51 work permit itself lead directly to permanent residence?

Can an Early Childhood Educator potentially benefit from paid C-51 work experience?

Can healthcare workers potentially benefit from C-51 work experience?

Are medical examinations important for C-51 applicants?

What documents should the applicant include to explain the C-51 application?

Why can a vague job description lead to a C-51 refusal?

Can an organization offer a completely unrelated position and still use C-51 because it is a charity?

What is the “direct benefit” test in a C-51 application?

Can an employer be audited after hiring a worker through C-51?

Can every C-51 occupation make the worker eligible for a spouse's open work permit?

What are the biggest reasons a C-51 application can be refused?

What is one of the most serious mistakes to avoid when choosing the exemption code?

What should an applicant verify before submitting a C-51 application?

Is C-51 an “easy” work-permit option simply because no LMIA is required?

What is the biggest takeaway from C-51?

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