C10 is an LMIA waiver code under the International Mobility Program (IMP), applicable to cases where allowing a foreign national to work in Canada would provide significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada.
The C10 was issued under section R205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), to provide flexibility for immigration officers in situations where the LMIA process is unsuitable, but the benefits to Canada are clear and compelling.
The purpose of C10
According to IRCC, C10 cannot be used to circumvent LMIA, or to undermine the role of LMIA in protecting the Canadian labor market.
C10 only applies when the social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada is so great that it outweighs the LMIA requirement, and the impact on the Canadian labor market must be neutral or positive.
In what situations does C10 apply?
C10 is used when no other specific LMIA waiver is suitable, but considering all the practical factors, the foreign national's work provides significant benefit to Canada.
IRCC emphasizes that this is a general guideline, and each case must be evaluated individually on a case-by-case basis.
Basic requirements and documentation for the C10 visa category.
Applicants under the C10 scheme must provide:
- Offer of Employment that is exempt from LMIA, submitted through the Employer Portal (or an approved alternative method).
- Proof that the employer has paid the compliance fee.
- Detailed documentation demonstrates significant benefits for Canada in terms of:
- economy, or
- society, or
- culture
IRCC notes clearly: Copying content from the Department's website will not be considered valid evidence.
How does IRCC assess what constitutes a “significant benefit”?
Officials will review the actual work performed by the foreign worker and assess whether the work includes:
🔹 Brings economic benefits
For example:
- create jobs or training opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents,
- Expanding the market, innovating products or services,
- to promote the development of Canadian industry,
- to provide economic stimulus to remote and rural areas.
- Prevent job losses for Canadians.
🔹 Bringing social benefits
For example:
- Contributing to the resolution of public health and safety issues,
- Enhance social inclusion,
- to enhance the image and pride of the community.
- Supporting the development of a sustainable environment and tourism.
🔹 Bringing cultural benefits
According to the Canadian definition, culture includes:
- creative artistic activities,
- cultural goods and services,
- Heritage preservation.
Factors that may be considered include:
- Professional achievements recognized nationally or internationally.
- leadership roles in prestigious organizations,
- academic, scientific, and artistic contributions
- Achievements recognized by colleagues, professional organizations, or government agencies.
What is C10 not based on?
IRCC doesn't just look at job titles, salaries, or company types; the focus of its assessment is the nature of the work and its actual impact on Canada.
C10 may be applied in some specific cases.
IRCC lists several special situations, for example:
- Specialized technical workers serving in the maintenance of railway infrastructure.
- Some experts work for international organizations,
- Foreign doctors working in Quebec,
- Some artists and performers work in the field of culture and arts.
This list is not limited.
Important note
- C10 is an LMIA-exempt category, not an immigration program.
- Officials are required to clearly state in their records the reasons for applying R205(a).
- Applications lacking concrete arguments or evidence may be rejected.
C10 - Significant Benefit to Canada Application and Consulting Services
KeyApply provides consulting and application preparation services for C10 (Significant Benefit to Canada) work permits, for cases where the applicant's work provides a significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada under R205(a) provisions.
C10 is an LMIA waiver category, applied by IRCC in specific situations where the benefits to Canada are clear and compelling, but no other specific LMIA waiver category is suitable.
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