An academic is a person who has at least one Post Graduate qualification (following a Bachelor’s degree) and who earns the majority of their income by teaching or conducting research at Universities or University colleges. 

Who is exempt from getting a work permit and LMIA from ESDC?

• Academic Consultants
• Academic Examiners.
• Graduate Assistants.
• Self funded Researchers.

They can apply as visitors from outside Canada or apply at a Port of Entry if they are citizens of the USA or St. Pierre et Miquelon and Greenland. 

Who is exempt from getting a LMIA from ESDC but needs a work permit to work in Canada?

• Research award recipients
• Visiting professors
• Guest lecturers
• Post-doctoral fellows
• Eminent individuals, for example leaders in various fields
• Citizens of Chile appointed as professors under the Canada Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA)
• Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico appointed as professors under the university, college and seminary levels of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

They can apply for a work permit from outside Canada or apply at a Port of Entry if they are citizens of the USA or St. Pierre et Miquelon and Greenland. 

If you would like help with an academic work permit for you or someone you know, please contact us at SAM Law.