On This Page You Will Find
- What the International Mobility Program (IMP) is
- How Canadian employers can hire LMIA-exempt foreign workers
- Steps for foreign workers applying for a Canadian work permit
- Special exemption categories under the IMP
- Employer responsibilities, inspections and penalties
The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). For foreign workers, it offers a streamlined route to a Canadian work permit under a wide range of LMIA-exempt categories. Whether you are an employer looking to fill a position quickly or a worker hoping to gain valuable Canadian experience, the IMP offers flexibility and efficiency.
What the International Mobility Program Offers
The IMP supports Canada’s economic and cultural interests and encourages international cooperation by allowing foreign workers to enter Canada under LMIA-exempt work permits. Examples include trade agreement professionals, intra-company transferees, open work permit holders, and more.
Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires employers to prove they cannot find a Canadian for the job, the IMP allows for faster hiring and easier processing where exemptions apply.
Types of Work Permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP)
According to official sources and trusted summaries, the IMP includes the following work permit categories:
- Work permits under Free Trade Agreements
Includes professionals covered by CUSMA, CETA, and similar agreements, who are granted LMIA‑exempt work permits based on economic or reciprocal benefit grounds. - Intra‑Company Transferee Permits
Enables multinational companies to transfer key staff – executives, managers, specialists – to Canadian branches without needing an LMIA. - International Experience Canada (IEC) Permits
Covers youth mobility exchange participants (e.g., working holiday, young professionals, international co-op) under bilateral youth exchange programs. - Post‑Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
Allows eligible international graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies – LMIA is not required. - Spousal or Common‑Law Partner Open Work Permits
Enables certain spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or full-time students to work in Canada without an LMIA. - Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP)
Available to applicants who are awaiting a decision on a permanent residence application – these open permits allow them to keep working while they wait. - Francophone Mobility (Francophone or Bilingual Workers Outside Quebec)
Allows employers to hire French-speaking or bilingual workers outside Quebec without an LMIA as part of supporting Francophone communities. - Other Significant‑Benefit Permits
For roles that bring notable economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada – e.g., unique professionals, researchers, or in emerging sectors such as innovation streams.
Additional Context on Permit Types
- Open vs Employer‑Specific Permits
- Open Work Permits: Holders may work for any employer in Canada (e.g., PGWP, BOWP, IEC, spouse permits).
- Employer‑Specific (Closed) Permits: Tied to a specific employer and position; typically require submission of an offer via Employer Portal and possibly compliance fees.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designates whether a permit is open or employer-specific, depending on the stream and eligibility.
Summary Table: IMP Work Permit Types
| Work Permit Type | Open vs Employer-Specific |
| Free Trade Agreement Professionals | Typically employer-specific |
| Intra‑Company Transferees | Employer-specific |
| IEC Participants | Often open work permit |
| Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Open work permit |
| Spousal/Common‑Law Partner Work Permit | Open work permit |
| Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Open work permit |
| Francophone Mobility (outside Quebec) | Employer-specific (offer submission needed) |
| Other Significant-Benefit Situations (e.g., innovation) | May be employer-specific |
How Employers Can Hire Through the IMP
To hire a foreign worker through the IMP, most employers must:
- Pay the $230 employer compliance fee (unless exempt)
- Submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal
- Provide the worker with a 7-digit offer of employment number
This number allows the foreign national to apply for a work permit. The application is reviewed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and, if approved, a letter of introduction or work permit is issued.
Some categories, such as open work permit holders or certain charitable and academic roles, are exempt from the compliance fee and offer submission requirements.
Work Permit Process for Foreign Workers
Once a valid offer is submitted:
- Workers outside Canada receive a letter of introduction, exchanged for a work permit at the port of entry
- Workers in Canada or eligible to apply at a port of entry may receive a work permit by mail
- Work permit holders must comply with the terms listed, such as employer, job title, location, and duration
Applicants must ensure they have the correct entry document (eTA or visitor visa), and in some cases may require a medical exam or exit documentation from their home country.
Special IMP Categories
Some workers and employers benefit from additional LMIA exemptions under unique categories:
- French-speaking workers outside Quebec
Eligible if the worker has moderate proficiency in French and the job is outside Quebec. - Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) Innovation Stream
For high-growth firms hiring workers in TEER categories 0–3 with appropriate wages. - Overnight camp counsellors
These positions are exempt from the LMIA and may be exempt from the compliance fee depending on the situation.
Employer Responsibilities After Hiring
Employers must:
- Verify the worker’s valid permit and abide by its conditions
- Offer wages and working conditions as stated in the offer
- Ensure a safe, abuse-free workplace
- Provide health and safety coverage in line with provincial law
- Retain records for at least six years
- Be ready for government inspections, which may involve document checks, interviews, and site visits
Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including fines, bans from hiring, and inclusion on a public list of non-compliant employers.
FAQ
Who can be hired through the International Mobility Program?
Employers can hire foreign workers without an LMIA if the job falls under an eligible IMP category, such as trade agreement roles, open work permits, or intra-company transfers.
Do all employers have to pay the $230 compliance fee?
No. Employers hiring open work permit holders or workers in specific fee-exempt roles, such as some academic or charitable positions, do not need to pay the fee.
How does a foreign worker apply for a work permit under IMP?
The employer submits an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal. The worker then applies for a work permit using the offer number provided.
Can an employer be inspected under the IMP?
Yes. Employers may be randomly selected for inspection or chosen due to previous violations or concerns. They must provide records and respond to all requests.
What happens if an employer violates IMP rules?
Penalties range from warning letters to bans from hiring foreign workers and monetary fines of up to $100,000 per violation, depending on severity and compliance history.
