The Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) is a bilateral trade agreement that also includes important temporary work permit exemptions under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). For eligible South Korean and Canadian citizens, CKFTA allows employers and workers to bypass the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, making it significantly faster and more flexible to work in Canada.
Under CKFTA, certain professionals, intra-company transferees, investors, and business visitors can obtain LMIA-exempt work permits, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. This makes CKFTA an attractive option for skilled workers and Canadian employers seeking global talent.
If you are working with an immigration lawyer in Ottawa, understanding CKFTA can help you secure legal work authorization quickly while remaining compliant with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules.
Key Advantages of CKFTA Work Permits
- No LMIA required
- Faster processing times
- Employer compliance instead of advertising requirements
- Greater flexibility for multinational companies
- Ideal for professionals and executives
CKFTA Work Permit Categories (Step-by-Step Breakdown)
1️⃣ Business Visitors
Business visitors may enter Canada without a work permit if they:
- Attend meetings, consultations, or trade events
- Negotiate contracts
- Conduct after-sales service (with limitations)
🔹 Important: Business visitors cannot enter the Canadian labour market directly.
2️⃣ Professionals
Eligible Korean and Canadian professionals can apply for LMIA-exempt work permits if they:
- Work in an approved profession
- Possess the required educational credentials
- Have a pre-arranged Canadian employment contract
Common professional occupations include:
- Engineers
- Architects
- Accountants
- IT professionals
- Management consultants
3️⃣ Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs)
ICTs are employees transferred from a Korean company to its Canadian parent, branch, or affiliate.
Eligible roles:
- Executives
- Senior managers
- Employees with specialized knowledge
Requirements include:
- At least 1 year of employment in the past 3 years
- Genuine corporate relationship between entities
4️⃣ Investors
Investors may qualify if they:
- Make a substantial investment in a Canadian business
- Actively manage or direct the enterprise
- Demonstrate temporary intent
CKFTA Eligibility Requirements (At a Glance)
| Requirement | Details |
| Citizenship | Canadian or South Korean |
| Job Offer | Required for professionals & ICTs |
| LMIA | Not required |
| Employer Portal | Mandatory compliance submission |
| Duration | Typically 1–3 years (renewable) |
⚠️ Note: Immigration rules, eligibility, and processing times may change. Always confirm current requirements with IRCC or an immigration lawyer in Ottawa.
Recent IRCC Updates & Practical Tips
- Employers must submit offers through the IRCC Employer Portal
- Compliance fees apply even for LMIA-exempt categories
- Officers closely assess temporary intent
- Supporting documents must clearly match CKFTA criteria
💡 Tip: Errors in job classification or corporate documentation are common reasons for refusal. Legal review significantly reduces risk.
How CKFTA Fits Into Your Long-Term Immigration Strategy
While CKFTA is a temporary work permit, it can support pathways to permanent residence, including:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Our permanent residency lawyer in Ottawa can help align your CKFTA work permit with long-term immigration goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. CKFTA work permits are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program, provided all eligibility criteria are met.
Most CKFTA work permits are issued for 1 to 3 years, depending on the category and job offer, and may be renewable.
Yes. Many applicants use CKFTA work experience to qualify under Express Entry or PNP programs, subject to eligibility.
Yes. Employers must submit offers through the Employer Portal and comply with Canadian employment standards.
In many cases, spouses may qualify for open work permits and dependent children may study in Canada.
About Venko Law Firm
Venko Law Firm is a trusted Canadian immigration law firm based in Ottawa. We provide strategic, results-driven guidance for work permits, study permits, permanent residence, citizenship, family sponsorship, refugee claims, and humanitarian applications.
Learn more about our Ottawa immigration lawyer and how we support clients across Canada and worldwide with confidence, precision, and care.
Need help with your CKFTA work permit?
Book your first free assessment call with an experienced immigration lawyer in Ottawa at Venko Law Firm to ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically prepared.