Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance on LMIA-exempt work permits issued under the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The update provides clearer rules for officers and applicants alike.
The changes apply to professionals seeking entry under the GATS ‘professionals’ stream, which enables a defined list of foreign professionals to work in Canada for short durations tied to cross-border trade in services.
Under the updated guidance, processes around eligible contracts, supporting documentation, and other key details are clarified for both applicants and Canadian employers.
Crucially, the GATS Professionals stream allows a foreign professional to work in Canada for up to 90 days within a 12-month period without requiring an LMIA, making this one of the most time-efficient routes for short-term assignments related to trade in services.
Wider permanent-residency eligibility is also clarified. Previously, only permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand could apply, along with citizens of WTO member nations. The new guidance adds permanent residents of Armenia and Switzerland to the eligible pool, alongside the existing categories, provided other criteria are met.
Maple News notes that IRCC’s clarification underscores Canada’s effort to facilitate international service trade while maintaining necessary safeguards. Professionals and employers should review the updated guidance to ensure full compliance with the eligibility and documentation requirements.