The International Mobility Program helps people work in Canada by allowing them to get a Canadian work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is generally required for hiring a foreign worker. It was Launched in 2014 to promote Work in Canada.
It was created to make it easier for Canada to bring workers when their presence benefits the country’s economic, cultural or social interests or when Canada has made commitments through international agreements.
IMP is designed to support international agreements, reciprocal opportunities, cultural exchanges and special categories like intra company transfers making Canadian immigration more flexible and easier for the people who are looking for Canadian immigration. In short, it’s a way for hiring foreign workers quickly and efficiently and we can also pay conveniently.
Benefits of the International Mobility Program
- No LMIA Required: IMP simply reduces the burden of getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which helps in saving times, improves efficiency and also cuts the cost.
- Quicker Work Permit Processing: As the part of LMIA is skipped, the International Mobility Program makes the process quicker than earlier which is ultimately beneficial for Canada as well as the immigrant.
- Strengthen Canada’s economy, society and cultural diversity: The IMP encompasses programs that support trade agreements (such as CUSMA / USMCA), reciprocal employment opportunities, intra-company transfers, youth exchange initiatives and academic mobility. These programs foster innovation, attract investment and encourage international collaboration and make it easier for workers to work in Canada.
- Flexible Work Opportunities: The International Mobility Program (IMP) offers a broad range of work opportunities for foreign nationals by facilitating entry through various streams such as intra-company transfers, international trade agreements like CETA and CPTPP, open work permits for graduates and spouses and programs that provide cultural or social benefits to Canada.
- Offers Open Work Permit: International Mobility Program also offers open work permits which means that the worker is not tied to one employer. It gives an employee more freedom.
- Encourages Global Talent Mobility: The IMP attracts highly skilled professionals, researchers, academics and executives from around the world, bringing valuable expertise to the Canadian workforce. It also enables smooth intra-company transfers, allowing multinational companies to move employees between international and Canadian offices. This not only supports knowledge sharing and innovation but also strengthens Canada’s business ties and global competitiveness through enhanced international connections.
- Way to PR: International Mobility Program also offers a way to Canadian PR through certain schemes like Canada Experience Class (CEC) which makes work in Canada better.
- Helps Employer: It helps employers to work globally and take an edge over others. It’s especially beneficial for startups, tech companies and multinationals.
Requirements for International Mobility program (IMP)
Although working in Canada through the International Mobility Program is a bit easier, still there are certain requirements which need to be fulfilled.
- Eligibility Under an IMP category: To qualify for the IMP, applicants must fall under an eligible LMIA-exempt category. These include workers covered by international agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA), intra-company transferees, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders, spouses of skilled workers or students, participants in International Experience Canada (IEC), and individuals whose work offers significant cultural or social benefits to Canada, such as artists or researchers.
- Valid Job Offers: For employer-specific work permits under the International Mobility Program, the applicant must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer is required to submit this offer through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a $230 employer compliance fee as part of the process. This step ensures that the job offer meets program requirements and is properly documented.
- Proof of Qualification: Applicants must submit documents that demonstrate they are qualified for the job or program they are applying for. This typically includes a resume or CV, educational certificates or degrees, and proof of relevant work experience. If the position requires it, professional licenses or certifications must also be provided to show eligibility.
- Valid Passport: It is required that the applicant must have a valid passport for the intended duration of stay.
- Work Permit Application: Applicants must submit a complete work permit application either online or, in certain cases, at a port of entry—the latter option is available only to visa-exempt applicants meeting specific criteria. The application should include all required documents, such as a valid passport, digital photo, job offer number (if applicable), and the LMIA-exempt offer of employment for employer-specific permits. Additionally, the applicant must provide proof of eligibility under your chosen IMP category and a receipt confirming payment of the application fee.
- Medical Exam and Biometrics: Depending on the country of residence you are required to complete a medical examination and submit biometrics.
- Intent to Leave Canada: The applicant must demonstrate their intent to leave Canada after their authorized stay until they get a PR.
How its different from Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
| Aspect | Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | International Mobility Program (IMP) |
| LMIA Requirement | It needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment. | It is exempted from LMIA which makes it a good choice. |
| Purpose | The main purpose is to fill the labour places where Canadians are unavailable. | The main purpose is to facilitate work that benefits Canada socially, culturally, or economically without requiring an LMIA. |
| Work Permit Type | Mostly employer specific work permit. | Employer-specific or open work permits, depending on the category. |
| Typical Use Cases | Mostly used in low-skilled or high-skilled positions | Professionals under trade agreements, intra-company transfers, spouses of workers, cultural exchange workers. |
| Processing Time | It’s generally longer due to LMIA processing which doesn’t make it the first choice. | It is usually less time consuming as no LMIA is required. |
| Employer Obligations | Employer must apply for LMIA and demonstrate recruitment efforts | Employer submits an offer and pays compliance fee if required, no LMIA application. |
| Examples | Seasonal agricultural workers, hospitality staff. | Intra-company transferees, CUSMA professionals, PGWP holders. |
| Flexibility for Worker | It’s not fixed generally based on the employer and the job. | Some streams allow open work permits, providing greater flexibility. |
| Program Focus | It helps in protecting the Canadian Labor market and prioritizes Canadian workers. | Support international agreements, cultural/social benefits, and economic growth. |
So we can conclude that International Mobility Program (IMP) is making migration process a bit easier for the workers and also very much cost effective. It is helpful for getting PR too. If a worker is looking forward to work in Canada then International Mobility Program is one of the best choice without much legalities.
