International Mobility Program

Global Opportunities: IMP Work Permit

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a Canadian initiative that allows employers to hire foreign workers without going through the more rigorous process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

LMIA exemptions are based on a few conditions

• The ability to provide a broader economic, cultural, or other competitive advantage for Canada; and
• To generate reciprocal benefits enjoyed by Canadians and permanent residents.

The IMP is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which facilitates the entry of foreign workers into Canada for short-term employment. It is designed to attract high-skilled foreign workers to Canada, particularly those who will contribute to the country’s economic growth and prosperity.

Employers who wish to participate in the International Mobility Program (IMP) in Canada must meet certain requirements

• Job Offer: Employers must have a valid job offer for a foreign worker. The job offer must include details about the job duties, wages, working conditions, and duration of the employment.
• Compliance: Employers must comply with all Canadian labour laws and standards, including paying workers the prevailing wage for their occupation and providing a safe and healthy work environment. Employers must also comply with any relevant provincial or territorial laws and regulations.
• LMIA Exemption: Employers must meet the eligibility criteria for an LMIA exemption under one of the IMP categories. The specific criteria vary depending on the category, but in general, the employer must demonstrate that the foreign worker will bring significant economic, cultural, or social benefits to Canada.
• Recruitment: Employers must make reasonable efforts to recruit Canadian citizens and permanent residents before hiring foreign workers. This may include advertising the job on Canadian job boards, contacting Canadian job seekers, and participating in job fairs and other recruitment events.
• Fees: Employers may be required to pay fees of associated with the IMP, such as application fees and a compliance fee of $230 CAD.

One of the benefits of the IMP is that it allows employers to hire foreign workers quickly and easily, without the lengthy and complicated process of obtaining an LMIA. This can be particularly useful for employers who need to fill vacancies quickly or who have a shortage of skilled workers in their industry.

Generally, individuals who are eligible for the IMP fall into one of the following categories

• Workers covered by international agreements or arrangements: Foreign workers who are covered by international agreements or arrangements, such as NAFTA, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), or the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), may be eligible for the IMP.
• Intra-company transferees: Foreign workers who are being transferred to Canada to work for a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their current employer may be eligible for the IMP under the intra-company transfer category.
• Professionals under international agreements: Foreign workers who are professionals covered by international agreements, such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), may be eligible for the IMP.
• Francophone mobility: Foreign workers who are francophones and who will be working in a province or territory outside of Quebec may be eligible for the IMP under the francophone mobility category.
• Researchers: Foreign workers who will be conducting research in Canada may be eligible for the IMP.
• Academics: Foreign academics who will be working in Canada on a temporary basis may be eligible for the IMP.
• Canadian Interest Exemptions: Foreign workers who will bring significant benefits in social, cultural, or economic benefits to Canada may be eligible for the IMP under the significant benefit category.

The IMP has been an important tool for Canadian employers who need to fill skill shortages quickly and efficiently. It has also helped to attract high-skilled foreign workers to Canada, which has contributed to the country’s economic growth and competitiveness.

International Free Trade Agreements or arrangements

1. Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA): Under CUSMA, citizens of Canada, the United States, and Mexico can work in each other’s countries without an LMIA. There are specific requirements for each profession, and workers must demonstrate that they meet the criteria for their occupation. This agreement suppressed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, 2020.
2. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): Under NAFTA, citizens of Canada, the United States, and Mexico can work in each other’s countries without an LMIA. There are specific requirements for each profession, and workers must demonstrate that they meet the criteria for their occupation.
3. Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): Under CETA, citizens of European Union member countries who are covered by the agreement can work in Canada without an LMIA. There are specific requirements for each profession, and workers must demonstrate that they meet the criteria for their occupation.
4. Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement: Under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, citizens of Chile can work in Canada without an LMIA if they meet the requirements for their occupation.
5. Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement: Under the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement, citizens of Peru can work in Canada without an LMIA if they meet the requirements for their occupation.
6. Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, citizens of Colombia can work in Canada without an LMIA if they meet the requirements for their occupation.
7. Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Under the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, citizens of Korea can work in Canada without an LMIA if they meet the requirements for their occupation.