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Common HRSDC Labour Market Opinion — Exemption Categories of Work

International Agreements
North American Free Trade Agreement certain professionals, traders, investors and business people entering under regulation do not need a labour market opinion from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). A similar agreement is also in place for Chile. This regulation also allows the issuance of work permits to people who enter Canada under other types of international agreements.

Entrepreneurs, Company Transfers
Some types of entrepreneurs, intra-company transferees and other types of workers who will provide significant benefit to Canadians or permanent residents by working in Canada do not need a labour market opinion from HRSDC.

Exchange Programs
Persons whose employment in Canada provides similar employment to Canadians abroad, such as participants in youth exchange programs, exchange teachers and other reciprocal programs do not need a labour market opinion from HRSDC.

Students Doing Co-op
Foreign students studying in Canada who need to work in order to fulfil co-op placements do not need a labour market opinion from HRSDC.

Spouses
Spouses and common-law partners of certain skilled foreign workers, spouses and common-law partners of certain foreign students, and spouses and common-law partners of a work permit holder doing post-graduation employment do not need a labour market opinion from HRSDC.

Religious Work
Persons undertaking charitable or religious work do not need a labour market opinion from HRSDC.

Some Exceptions
Certain persons who need to support themselves while they are in Canada for other reasons such as the refugee determination process do not need a labour market opinion from HRSDC. Certain persons who have been accepted for permanent residence in Canada do not need a labour market opinion from HRSDC.