Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the rules governing LMIA-exempt work permits issued under reciprocal employment through the International Mobility Program. The updated guidelines were published on IRCC’s website on February 20, 2026, under the title “Reciprocal employment general guidelines [R205(b) – C20] – Canadian interests – International Mobility Program.”
The changes clarify how officers assess reciprocity, requiring consideration of opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the country where the worker originates, and making explicit that reciprocity applies to permanent residents as well as citizens. The reciprocity must exist in the origin country specifically tied to the worker, not in any arbitrary foreign country.
The guidelines also state that job offers should be evaluated for whether they create or maintain reciprocal employment, clarifying that maintaining existing positions abroad can contribute to reciprocity for foreign nationals seeking entry on new LMIA-exempt permits.
A new section deals with notes entered into the Global Case Management System (GCMS). Officers will now verify that the destination province and city in the record match the employment address in the job offer, and that the offered role’s NOC code is included.
The guidance also notes that, for travelers exempt from travel document requirements (for example, some U.S. citizens), the work permit should be issued for the full duration of the job offer, even if the applicant’s passport would expire earlier.
The policy does not require formal agreements to issue these LMIA-exempt permits.
Maple News will monitor the implementation and share practical implications for employers and applicants, including tips for ensuring job offers meet the new criteria and avoiding processing delays.