International Mobility Program

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) enables Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on temporary work permits without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This program offers a streamlined and expedited hiring process, benefiting both employers and workers. Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which issues work permits based on specific labor market conditions, the IMP focuses on advancing Canada’s broader economic and cultural interests.

Key Aspects of the IMP

• No LMIA Required: Employers can hire foreign workers without needing an LMIA.
• Flexible Work Permits: Work permits under the IMP can be either open or closed.
• Broad Economic and Cultural Goals: The program supports Canada’s economic and cultural objectives.
• International Agreements: The IMP includes reciprocal youth exchange agreements (e.g., International Experience Canada), international trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, CETA, Trans-Pacific Partnership), and other bilateral agreements.
• Intra-Company Transfers: Companies can transfer employees from their international branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates to Canada.
• Bridging Open Work Permits: Individuals transitioning to permanent residence can work on a Bridging Open Work Permit.
• Post-Graduation Work Permits: International graduates from Canadian institutions can work under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
• Significant Social or Cultural Benefit: The program includes initiatives like Mobilité Francophone, which benefits Canada socially and culturally.

The IMP encompasses a wide range of work permit streams, offering a more flexible approach compared to the labor market-oriented Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

IMP Overview

• No LMIA Required: Simplifies the hiring process for employers.
• Work Permits: Can be open or closed.
• Purpose: Advances Canada’s economic and cultural interests.
• Basis: Includes international agreements (e.g., IEC, NAFTA, CETA).
• Application Processing: Not based on wage but may consider occupation skill level.
• No Canadian Worker Search Required: Employers can hire without first offering the position to Canadians.
• No Transition Plan Needed: Employers do not need to provide a transition plan.
• Fees: Employers pay a compliance fee of $230, unless the job applicant holds an open work permit (no fee required).
• Processing Time: Many IMP streams offer a two-week work permit processing standard.
• Oversight: Managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Employer Portal

For certain streams under the International Mobility Program (IMP) that require a job offer, employers must use the Government of Canada’s Employer Portal.

Steps for Employers

1. Create a Unique Login: Employers must first create a unique login on the Employer Portal.
2. Submit an Offer of Employment: After logging in, employers select the option to submit an offer of employment to a candidate.
3. Provide Business Information: Employers must enter details about the business, including its nature, size, and main activities.
4. Offer of Employment Details: Information about the job offer, including minimum requirements (e.g., education level, language abilities), wage, and benefits, must be provided.
5. Compliance Fee: A $230 employer compliance fee is required for each offer of employment submitted through the Employer Portal.

Employers hiring workers with an open work permit are exempt from submitting an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and do not need to pay the compliance fee.

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