International Mobility Program

A direct route to working in Canada without an LMIA.

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a key pathway for foreign nationals seeking to work in Canada. It operates by advancing Canada's broader economic, cultural, and social interests, allowing certain workers to bypass the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This streamlined approach makes it faster and more efficient for qualified individuals to obtain a work permit.

 

International Mobility Program

A direct route to working in Canada without an LMIA.

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a key pathway for foreign nationals seeking to work in Canada. It operates by advancing Canada's broader economic, cultural, and social interests, allowing certain workers to bypass the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This streamlined approach makes it faster and more efficient for qualified individuals to obtain a work permit.

 

What is the International Mobility Program?

The International Mobility Program is a government framework that allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Its primary purpose is to support Canada's national interests by facilitating the entry of specific groups of workers who contribute to the country’s economy, society, or culture.

 
Employer Compliance

Employers hiring under the IMP must submit a job offer through the Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee, ensuring they adhere to the program’s rules and obligations.

Diverse Streams

The IMP includes numerous work permit categories, from open work permits for spouses and graduates to employer-specific permits for those working under trade agreements like CUSMA.

General Requirements

  • An individual must fit into one of the designated LMIA-exempt categories under the IMP, such as a trade agreement professional or an intra-company transferee.


  • For employer-specific work permits, the Canadian employer must submit a formal offer of employment to the worker through the IRCC Employer Portal.


  • The employer is required to pay a mandatory employer compliance fee to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of the process of submitting the job offer.

Admissibility to Canada

Even if a foreign national is approved for a work permit under the IMP, they must still pass standard health, security, and criminal background checks to be deemed admissible to Canada.

Employer-Specific vs. Open

Some IMP permits are tied to a specific employer, while others are "open" and allow the holder to work for any employer in Canada.

Program-Specific Conditions

Each IMP category has its own unique set of requirements and rules, and applicants must ensure they meet all the specific conditions of their chosen stream.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

Express
Consultation

Speak with an immigration expert to get answers to questions and concerns

$49.99 (CAD)

30 minutes with an expert

Answers to basic question

Overview of immigration pathways

Key information on requirements

Get more details

Premium Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

In-depth analysis, eligibility assessment & tailored strategy

$149.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Customized plan to maximize success

Eligibility review, CRS score, and best pathways

Guidance on required documents

Get more details

Self-Managed Application Support Consultation

Speak with an immigration expert to discuss your self-prepared application.

$199.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Tips to strengthen your application

Answers to questions on forms, and requirements

Guidance on next steps after submission

Get more details

Get the help you need to succeed.

Eligibility Assessment

A professional can determine which IMP stream you are best suited for, ensuring you choose the right pathway for your qualifications and experience.

Application Strategy

  • Receive guidance on structuring your application and preparing all necessary documentation to meet the precise requirements of your specific LMIA exemption.

    • Navigating the Employer Portal

    We can assist your Canadian employer with the technical aspects of submitting the job offer and paying the compliance fee correctly, preventing common errors.

    Tailored Advice

    Get personalized advice on your specific situation, helping you understand how your professional profile aligns with Canada's economic and social goals.

    Understanding Your Status

    An IMP work permit is, in most cases, a temporary document. Its duration is tied to the job offer or the nature of the program. While it provides an excellent opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which can be a valuable asset for future permanent residency applications, it is essential to understand that it does not guarantee a path to permanent residency on its own. It is a stepping stone that must be leveraged with other immigration programs.

    The Role of Employers

    For most IMP streams, the employer has a crucial and non-negotiable role. They must first confirm that the position qualifies for an LMIA exemption and then submit a detailed job offer through the official IRCC Employer Portal. This employer-side process must be completed before the foreign worker can even apply for their work permit. Failure to complete this step or providing inaccurate information can lead to the refusal of the work permit application.

    Not all work is created equal

    The IMP is not a blanket exemption for all jobs. It is specifically reserved for situations where a foreign worker's presence in Canada aligns with a government objective. For example, a foreign worker may qualify if their skills or expertise are considered a significant benefit to Canada, if their role is part of a reciprocal international agreement, or if they are a spouse of a skilled worker. This targeted approach ensures the program serves Canada's interests without negatively impacting the domestic labour market.

    What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

    The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the official system used by the Canadian government to classify jobs based on their duties and the type of work performed.


    To find your NOC, you should not rely on your job title alone. Instead, use the official NOC website and search for your occupation. Read the "Main Duties" section of the job descriptions to find the one that best matches your responsibilities. This ensures you select the correct code, which is essential for the accuracy of your Express Entry profile.

    Find your NOC

    Use the official Government of Canada tool to access the complete list of occupations and find the code that matches your work experience.

    LMIA-based Work Permits

    For some foreign workers, an LMIA-Exempt work permit may not be the right fit. It’s important to understand the other side of the process and how LMIA-based permits work.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

    While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

    If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

    Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

    Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

    Consult with an immigration expert

    licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way

    Consult with an immigration expert

    licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way

    © Can-Am Immigration, Inc. All rights reserved.


    CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.

    Consult with an immigration expert.