Canada continues to attract global academic talent by offering immigration pathways that recognize research excellence. One such pathway is the C44 work permit exemption, which allows post-doctoral fellows who hold or are about to receive a Ph.D. to work in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This exemption falls under the International Mobility Program, where certain categories of employment are considered to be in the Canadian national interest.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible for the C44 exemption, an applicant must:
- Have completed—or be close to completing—a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline;
- Hold a time-limited post-doctoral appointment with a Canadian university or research institution;
- Receive a salary or stipend for teaching or advanced research duties; and
- Have been selected based on academic excellence.
Positions may be funded directly by the institution or through a research award. Universities differ in how they structure post-doctoral fellowships, but all must involve active research or teaching that contributes to Canada’s academic competitiveness.
Required Documentation
When applying for a C44 work permit, the following are typically needed:
- An offer of employment number generated through the employer portal, or a completed Form IMM 5802 (Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from an LMIA);
- Proof of employer-compliance fee payment; and
- A copy of the Ph.D. diploma or official confirmation that it will be issued soon.
IRCC officers review the application in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) under code C44 and verify that the offer and supporting evidence align with the requirements.
Duration and Terms of Employment
C44 work permits are issued for the length of the employment offer or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. If the worker is exempt from visa requirements (for example, a U.S. citizen), the permit may cover the full term of employment.
The position must directly relate to the applicant’s field of doctoral study, and the employer listed on the permit must be the same as on the employment offer submitted through the portal.
Why It Matters
By recognizing post-doctoral employment as being in the national interest, Canada makes it easier for universities and research institutions to recruit exceptional international scholars. The C44 category supports innovation, builds research capacity, and strengthens Canada’s global reputation as a destination for advanced study.
NPZ Guidance
At NPZ Law Group, we regularly assist universities, research organizations, and scholars in preparing C44 work permit submissions and related immigration filings.
Our Canadian immigration team ensures that each application meets documentation standards, complies with portal requirements, and clearly demonstrates eligibility under the LMIA-exempt category.
Whether you are a university seeking to hire a post-doctoral researcher or a Ph.D. graduate planning to work in Canada, NPZ can help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the C44 exemption?
It allows post-doctoral fellows holding or completing a Ph.D. to work in Canada without an LMIA because their research is considered in Canada’s national interest.
2. Is a Canadian job offer required?
Yes. The applicant must have a time-limited, paid research or teaching appointment from a recognized Canadian institution.
3. How long can the work permit last?
Usually for the duration of the employment offer, up to the passport’s validity.
4. Can the post-doc later apply for permanent residence?
Yes. Many post-doctoral fellows use their Canadian work experience toward permanent residence through programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
5. Does the employer need to pay an LMIA fee?
No LMIA is required, but the institution must pay the employer-compliance fee through the employer portal.
Contact InformationÂ
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.