Help me figure out workpermit/possible LMO exemptions? US student, unpaid intern

[lsepsey119]

Hi!

I'm a US citizen and a current student at a US university. I emailed a NGO in Vancouver a while back asking if I could work with them this summer as an unpaid intern, and they accepted me. I am receiving a stipend from my university as part of a Students in Government program to help fund this unpaid internship.

I think it's pretty clear that I need a work permit, and I'm fine with applying for one and paying the fees. The issue comes with the LMO/LMIA exemption; I don't think my employer wants to pay the fees, and they asked me if I could figure out if I qualify for any exemptions or if I even need a work permit since they won't be paying me. I think the work I'm going to be doing is primarily helping them research policy and helping run the office from day to day. Again, I'm pretty certain I need a work permit, but do you guys think there are any ways that my employer can be exempt from the LMO/LMIA?

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

You definitely need a work permit. That goes without question. Otherwise you'll be engaging in illegal work in Canada (even though you're not being paid).

The only option I see is the SWAP visa. This is a working holiday visa that allows you to work for a fixed time in Canada without obtaining an LMIA first. I would look into that ASAP since I don't know the processing / lead times.