Designed to attract skilled professionals and global talent, the International Mobility Program (IMP) streamlines the process for individuals seeking to contribute to Canada's economy and society. This program is particularly beneficial for those who have a job offer from a Canadian employer or are coming to work in sectors with a high demand for skilled labor. Whether you're an engineer, tech professional, or entrepreneur, the IMP opens doors to living and working in one of the world's most welcoming countries.

We offer guidance on understanding the complexities of the International Mobility Program, including its purpose, eligibility requirements, and many benefits for prospective foreign workers in Canada.

Explore the International Mobility Program (IMP) and learn how to apply for work permits in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Understanding the International Mobility Program

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This program offers a variety of work permit streams for skilled workers, international students, and other eligible individuals, providing flexibility and efficiency for both employers and employees. Here is a closer look at the IMP’s aims and our purpose.

Definition and Purpose of IMP

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is Canada's detailed system for managing international workforce mobility. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) oversees this program to support Canada's economic growth, social development, and cultural diversity. The IMP offers a more straightforward path to work in Canada because it doesn't need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Key Differences From the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The IMP has several advantages over the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). You can get open and employer-specific work permits through IMP, while TFWP limits you to only employer-specific options. Processing times under the IMP are much faster and usually take two weeks instead of the months-long TFWP process.

The IMP supports international agreements of all types, including the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which will help you get Canadian work experience through multiple pathways.

Benefits For Employers And Foreign Workers

The IMP creates a perfect match between employers and international workers by offering advantages to both parties:

Employer Benefits

  • Streamlined hiring without LMIA requirements,
  • Reduced compliance fees 319.22 CAD vs.1,387.90 CAD for TFWP,
  • No need to demonstrate Canadian worker shortage, and
  • Freedom to hire across different positions.

International Worker Benefits

  • Swift work permit processing,
  • Access to open work permits that enable employment with any employer,
  • Clear path toward Canadian permanent residency, and
  • Enhanced job mobility in the Canadian market.

Software engineers, information systems analysts, and university professors represent the most common occupations under the IMP's higher-wage positions. This program helps you build valuable Canadian work experience and enriches Canada's workforce diversity.

Eligibility and Application Process

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Understanding the eligibility requirements and application process is critical to obtaining a work permit through the IMP. Here is an outline of who qualifies for the program and will guide you through the application process to ensure you have everything you need to apply.

Who Can Apply For The IMP

Planning your Canadian trip? The IMP accepts workers from all categories. You qualify if you enter Canada through trade agreements like the CUSMA or CETA. The program also welcomes intra-company transferees and those eligible for open work permits. Your role should bring Canada valuable social, cultural, or economic benefits.

Required Documents and Application Steps

The Canadian work permit process through the IMP is straightforward and involves these steps:

  • Get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer,
  • Your employer needs to submit the offer through the IMP Employer Portal,
  • Your employer will pay the compliance fee,
  • You will receive your offer of employment number, and
  • You can then submit your work permit application.

You need these documents to complete your application:

  • Valid passport,
  • Official job offer letter,
  • LMIA exemption code,
  • Educational credentials,
  • Medical certificate (if needed),
  • Police clearance certificate, and
  • Proof of funds.

Processing Times and Fees

Consider these costs and timelines when planning your move to work in Canada. The standard processing fee is 215.10 CAD for your Canadian work permit, and you'll need to pay 138.78 CAD more if applying for an open work permit. Your Canadian employer's compliance fee is 319.19 CAD, which doesn't apply to open work permit holders.

Complete applications take eight weeks to process. Your position might qualify for two-week processing through the Global Skills Strategy if it falls under Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0 or 1. Note that you'll need extra time to prepare documents. Applicants from biometric-requiring countries should also account for additional time to complete their biometric requirements.

Types of Work Permits Under IMP

The International Mobility Program offers three different work permit options that significantly influence your Canadian immigration trip. Here are the three types of permits you can get through the IMP.

LMIA-exempt Work Permits

Canadian work permits without the traditional labor market assessment are now accessible to more people. Several international agreements like CUSMA and CETA make this possible. Your employer needs to submit an offer through the Employer Portal and pay a USD 230 compliance fee before you apply for your Canadian work permit. This simplified process helps you build valuable Canadian work experience.

Open Work Permits

An open work permit lets you work for most employers across Canada. You can qualify if you're:

  • A recent graduate from a designated Canadian institution,
  • A spouse/partner of a skilled worker or international student,
  • A permanent residence applicant,
  • A refugee claimant or protected person, and
  • A participant in special youth programs.

These permits give you complete flexibility when you want to work in Canada. However, some restrictions apply to employers in adult services.

Employer-specific Work Permits

When you receive an employer-specific work permit through the IMP, your authorization will list three essential elements: your employer's name, work duration, and location (if applicable). Your employer must give you an employment contract and an offer of employment number that applies to LMIA-exempt positions. This permit type will provide stability and help you build your career path toward potential Canadian permanent residency.

Rights and Responsibilities

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Understanding your rights and responsibilities while working in Canada through the International Mobility Program is significant to ensure a positive experience. You need to know several aspects to protect yourself and comply with regulations.

Worker Protections and Rights

Canadian law grants foreign workers identical workplace protections as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You deserve fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection from abuse. Your IMP permit ensures you cannot be forced to perform tasks beyond your employment agreement or work in unsafe conditions.

Your essential workplace protections include:

  • Your right to retain your passport and work permit,
  • Healthcare coverage for workplace injuries,
  • Protection against physical, psychological, or financial abuse,
  • Your ability to report workplace issues without retaliation, and
  • Full protection under Canadian employment laws.

Employer Obligations

Your employer must fulfill specific duties under the IMP that protect your interests and ensure program compliance. A signed employment agreement should reach you before you apply for your Canadian work permit. The working conditions promised in this agreement must remain consistent throughout your employment period.

When you arrive in Canada, your employer must set up your workers' compensation benefits and medical coverage. Your employer should maintain active business operations and follow all federal and provincial employment laws. Your workplace must remain free from abuse, and you should receive all wages and benefits mentioned in your original offer.

Compliance and Inspections

The IRCC and Service Canada perform regular inspections to verify that employers follow IMP regulations. These inspections can occur any time during the six years following your work permit's issuance. Your employer must provide all requested documents and grant access to the workplace whenever needed.

Service Canada's confidential tip line at 1-866-602-9448 accepts reports about rights violations or compliance issues. The system protects vulnerable workers who face abuse by offering them an open work permit. This permit lets them switch employers while their right to work in Canada remains valid. Employers who break compliance rules face various consequences, from warnings to financial penalties, and may lose their ability to hire through the IMP program.

FAQs

What Distinguishes the IMP From the LMIA Requirement?

The International Mobility Program allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without needing an LMIA. This contrasts with other programs where an LMIA is typically required, although some exemptions exist.

Who Qualifies to Participate in the IMP?

Eligible participants for the International Mobility Program include individuals coming to Canada under trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), as well as those entering Canada on an open work permit.

What Are the Main Differences Between the TFWP and the IMP?

The primary difference between the TFWP and the IMP is that the TFWP requires employers to secure an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a temporary foreign worker. In contrast, the IMP does not require an LMIA to support broader economic, social, or cultural objectives.