IRCC officials should consider the possible impacts on Canadian workers before granting foreign workers a permit. Thus, an LMIA is often mandatory for this. However, if a ‘significant benefit’ exemption is identified, the requirement for an LMIA can be bypassed, specifically if the benefits gained from granting a work permit surpass the possible adverse effects of not admitting the worker or delaying their entry to the nation.
In such scenarios, even without an LMIA, other factors can enable an international worker to obtain a significant benefit work permit.
A significant benefit work permit (SBWP) is an LMIA-exempt work permit, which aims to have a faster processing time. However, it is vital to note that SBWPs must be applied for by the employer instead of international workers.
What Counts As A Significant Benefit?
A candidate aiming to secure a significant benefit work permit in Canada should demonstrate that their employment will significantly benefit Canada culturally, economically, & socially.
The definition of significant benefit in this sense can be abstract. However, it extends to evaluating how an international worker’s engagement will contribute to the economic stability of Canada.
Well, such contributions might include:
- Generating employment.
- Developing a sector/ industry in a remote area/ specific region.
- Promoting export markets for Canadian goods & services.
Moreover, if the employee’s work could aid in the progress of Canadian industry or help improve Canadian skill sets, they might see greater success applying for these work permits.
In addition, the work of the foreign national could also lead to an improvement in the overall well-being & health, both mental & physical, of people across Canada or within specific regions.
Finally, adding foreign workers could promote tolerance, increase knowledge, & offer opportunities for interaction amongst individuals of the same or different cultural backgrounds.
There are also some specific criteria for each kind of significant benefit that international workers could provide.
Candidates must show their distinguished record in their specific field. Notably, they must show a distinguished track record through:
- Relevant academic document showcasing that the worker has educational credentials in their field of expertise.
- Documentation from previous/ present employers demonstrating significant full-time work experience in their field.
- Recognition via international/ national awards/ patents.
- Membership in organizations which demand members to excel.
- Position held, wherein they have evaluated the work of others.
- Evidence of acknowledged work, accomplishments, & contributions in their field by peers, professional institutions, & government.
- Testimony of scientific/ scholarly contributions to their sector.
- Publications in academic/ industry-specific platforms.
- Leadership roles in reputable organizations.
- Recruiting foreign workers hired through job fairs coordinated with the federal government & francophone minority communities.
- Working in jobs classified under NOC 0, A, & B outside Quebec.
Canadian authorities consider a set of criteria before issuing a significant benefit work permit, including foreign worker’s educational qualifications, work experience, awards obtained, organizational membership, & other achievements/ contributions in their field.
Who Is Eligible For A Significant Benefit Work Permit?
While assessing a significant benefit work permit application, immigration officers are instructed to consider:
- Responsibilities of the position that an international worker will undertake & the way they will align with significant benefit criteria.
- Job requirements which align with this significant benefit.
- Any additional training required for the role.
- Minimum educational requirements for the position.
- Federal or provincial certification, license, or registration needed to work in an occupation.
- Meeting the requirements & exemptions included in the application.
Moreover, individuals who qualify for the significant benefit work permit include:
- Intra-Company Transferees
It includes international candidates working for a multinational company planning to join its Canadian parent, brand, or subsidiary in an executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge job.
- Television & Film Production Workers
As the name suggests, it includes TV & film industry workers whose role is vital for production.
- Self-Employed Workers & Entrepreneurs
These are the people initiating a business in Canada or opting for self-employment. In addition, these individuals are capable of demonstrating their activities, which would result in significant economic, cultural, & social benefits.
- Emergency Repair Personnel
It includes the workers required for urgent repairs to commercial/ industrial equipment in order to circumvent employment disruption in Canada.
Moreover, there are certain circumstances under which some professionals might be exempt from requiring an LMIA & might further be eligible for a significant benefit work permit.