How to Apply for the International Mobility Program: Step-by-Step Guide

Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) allows eligible foreign nationals to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). But there is an important point to understand before starting:

There is no single application called an “International Mobility Program application.”

Instead, you apply for a Canadian work permit under the specific LMIA exemption or open work permit category that applies to your situation.

For an employer-specific IMP work permit, the Canadian employer will usually need to complete its part of the process before the worker submits the work permit application. For open work permits, the process is different because no specific employer may be required.

This guide explains the International Mobility Program application process step by step, including employer requirements, documents, fees, online applications, applications from inside or outside Canada, and what happens after approval.

If you are new to the program, first review our International Mobility Program guide.

Before You Apply: Confirm That You Qualify Under the IMP

The first step is identifying the correct work permit category.

The International Mobility Program covers many different LMIA-exempt situations, including certain:

• international trade agreement workers;
• intra-company transferees;
• Francophone Mobility workers;
• International Experience Canada participants;
• Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants;
• Bridging Open Work Permit applicants;
• eligible spouses and family members;
• significant-benefit workers; and
• other workers covered by LMIA exemptions or public policies.

Each category has different requirements.

Before beginning the application process, determine:

1. whether you need an employer-specific or open work permit;
2. which LMIA exemption or open work permit category applies;
3. whether you meet the requirements of that category; and
4. whether a Canadian employer must complete Employer Portal requirements before you apply.

If you have not yet identified the appropriate category, review our International Mobility Program eligibility requirements before continuing.

International Mobility Program Application Process at a Glance

For many employer-specific IMP applications, the process follows this general sequence:

The exact process can differ for open work permits and some LMIA-exempt categories.

Step 1: Identify the Correct LMIA Exemption or Open Work Permit Category

For employer-specific IMP applications, the employer and worker must first determine why the proposed employment is exempt from an LMIA.

Examples may include:

• an international trade agreement;
• Francophone Mobility;
• an intra-company transfer;
• reciprocal employment;
• significant benefit; or
• another recognized LMIA exemption.

The exemption used must match the applicant’s actual circumstances and supporting evidence.

A Canadian job offer alone does not make a work permit LMIA-exempt.

If no applicable LMIA exemption exists, the employer may need to obtain an LMIA through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program instead.

Open work permit applicants follow a different route. They must qualify under a specific open work permit category, such as an eligible Post-Graduation Work Permit, Bridging Open Work Permit, Working Holiday permit or family open work permit.

Step 2: The Employer Completes the IMP Process, If Required

For most employer-specific IMP work permits, the Canadian employer must complete several steps before the foreign worker applies.

The employer generally must:

1. create or sign in to an Employer Portal account;
2. submit an offer of employment;
3. provide the required information about the company, job and foreign worker;
4. identify the appropriate LMIA exemption;
5. pay the employer compliance fee, unless exempt; and
6. provide the worker with the offer of employment number.

Employer Portal

The Employer Portal is IRCC’s online system for employers hiring certain LMIA-exempt temporary foreign workers.

The employer provides information such as:

• business details;
• worker information;
• job title;
• duties;
• occupation;
• wage;
• benefits;
• work location;
• duration of employment; and
• the applicable LMIA exemption.

The information submitted by the employer should match the information and supporting evidence in the worker’s application.

Inconsistent information can create problems during processing or future employer compliance reviews.

Employer Compliance Fee

In most employer-specific IMP cases, the employer pays a CAD $230 employer compliance fee before the worker applies.

There are exceptions.

For example, an employer generally does not need to submit an IMP offer of employment or pay the employer compliance fee simply to hire someone who already holds a valid open work permit.

Certain employers and LMIA-exempt categories may also qualify for specific compliance exemptions.

Applicants and employers should verify whether an exemption applies rather than assuming the fee is always required or always waived.

Offer of Employment Number

After the required offer is submitted, the employer receives an offer of employment number.

This is generally a seven-digit number beginning with the letter “A.”

The employer provides this number to the foreign worker, who uses it when completing the employer-specific work permit application.

The employer should normally complete these steps before the worker submits the application.

Step 3: Gather the Documents for Your Work Permit Application

The documents required depend on the specific IMP category, the applicant’s circumstances and where the application is submitted.

There is no universal IMP document checklist.

Common documents can include:

• a valid passport;
• proof of the Canadian job offer;
• offer of employment number, where required;
• employment contracts or letters;
• proof of previous employment;
• educational credentials;
• professional qualifications or licences;
• documents establishing the applicable LMIA exemption;
• proof of the relationship between related companies for an intra-company transfer;
• proof of citizenship for certain international agreement categories;
• language evidence for Francophone Mobility;
• proof of relationship for family open work permits;
• permanent residence application evidence for a Bridging Open Work Permit;
• digital photographs;
• biometrics; and
• medical examination results where required.

Some applicants may also need additional documents based on their country of residence or the visa office processing the application.

Step 4: Prepare Evidence for the Specific IMP Category

A strong application does more than submit general work permit documents.

The evidence should demonstrate why the applicant qualifies for the specific LMIA exemption being claimed.

For example:

Intra-Company Transfer

Evidence may need to establish:

• the relationship between the foreign and Canadian businesses;
• the applicant’s qualifying previous employment;
• the nature of the Canadian position;
• the applicant’s role and responsibilities; and
• compliance with the applicable transfer requirements.

Francophone Mobility

Evidence may relate to:

• French-language ability;
• the Canadian job offer;
• the work location outside Quebec; and
• the requirements of the Francophone Mobility exemption.

Trade Agreement

Evidence can depend on:

• citizenship;
• the specific international agreement;
• occupation;
• professional qualifications;
• the employer; and
• the category under which the worker applies.

Open Work Permit

The applicant must demonstrate eligibility for the particular open work permit category.

For example, eligibility for a PGWP, BOWP or family open work permit is based on different requirements.

The application should therefore be built around the actual legal or policy basis for the work permit, not around the generic label “IMP.”

Step 5: Apply for the Canadian Work Permit

Once the employer has completed the necessary steps and the applicant has gathered the required evidence, the foreign worker can submit the work permit application.

The method depends on the applicant’s circumstances.

Applying From Outside Canada

Most foreign nationals applying from outside Canada can submit their work permit application online.

The application generally involves:

1. signing into the appropriate IRCC account;
2. completing the required forms;
3. uploading supporting documents;
4. paying the applicable work permit and other fees;
5. submitting the application; and
6. providing biometrics if required.

Applicants may also have country-specific document requirements.

If the application is approved, the applicant generally receives a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction.

This letter is evidence that the work permit application has been approved, but it is not the work permit itself.

The actual work permit is normally issued when the applicant arrives in Canada and is admitted by a border services officer.

Applying From Inside Canada

Only foreign nationals who meet the requirements for an in-Canada work permit application can apply from inside Canada.

The eligibility rules depend on the applicant’s current immigration status and situation.

Someone in Canada should not assume that simply being physically present in Canada makes them eligible to submit an in-Canada work permit application.

Applicants who are extending or changing their authorization should also pay close attention to the expiry date of their current status and the rules governing maintained status.

Applying at a Port of Entry

Some eligible foreign nationals who are outside Canada may still be able to apply for a work permit when entering Canada at a port of entry.

However, a port-of-entry application is not available to everyone.

Most foreign nationals already in Canada can no longer leave Canada simply to make a new work permit application at the border through “flagpoling.”

Applicants who may qualify for a port-of-entry application should confirm their eligibility before travelling and should arrive with the complete supporting documentation required for the work permit.

IRCC generally recommends applying for a work permit before travelling to Canada when possible.

Step 6: Pay the Applicable Work Permit Fees

The fees depend on the type of work permit and application.

A standard work permit application generally involves a work permit processing fee.

Additional fees may apply for:

• open work permits;
• biometrics;
• International Experience Canada;
• restoration of status; or
• other circumstances.

The employer compliance fee is separate from the worker’s work permit application fee.

For most employer-specific IMP applications, the employer pays the compliance fee through the Employer Portal.

Applicants should check the current IRCC fee schedule before submitting because government fees can change.

Step 7: Give Biometrics, If Required

After submitting the application, the applicant may be required to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

If biometrics are required, IRCC generally sends the applicant a biometric instruction letter.

The applicant must then follow the instructions and complete biometrics at an authorized collection location within the required period.

Some applicants may already have valid biometrics and may not need to provide them again.

Step 8: Complete a Medical Exam, If Required

Not every IMP applicant requires an immigration medical examination.

A medical exam may be required depending on factors such as:

• the type of work the applicant intends to perform;
• the applicant’s previous countries of residence; and
• how long the applicant intends to remain in Canada.

Some occupations, particularly those involving close contact with certain vulnerable populations, can create additional medical examination requirements.

Applicants should determine whether a medical examination is required for their circumstances before relying on a generic checklist.

Step 9: IRCC Reviews the Work Permit Application

After submission, IRCC assesses the application.

The review may include:

• whether the applicant qualifies for the work permit;
• whether the claimed LMIA exemption applies;
• whether employer requirements were completed properly;
• whether the applicant provided sufficient evidence;
• whether the employer is eligible to hire the worker;
• admissibility to Canada; and
• compliance with other immigration requirements.

IRCC may also request:

• additional documents;
• a medical examination;
• an interview; or
• other information.

Submitting an application under an LMIA exemption does not guarantee approval.

Step 10: Receive the Decision

What happens after approval depends on where the applicant applied.

If You Applied From Outside Canada

An approved applicant generally receives a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction.

The letter itself is not a work permit.

When travelling to Canada, the worker should bring:

• the Port of Entry Letter of Introduction;
• passport and travel documents;
• supporting employment documents;
• evidence that they continue to meet the conditions of the work permit approval;
• the offer of employment number for an LMIA-exempt employer-specific application, where applicable; and
• other documents requested by IRCC or border authorities.

A Canada Border Services Agency officer makes the final decision on entry and issues the work permit if the applicant remains eligible.

If You Applied From Inside Canada

For an approved in-Canada application, IRCC generally issues the approval and sends the work permit according to the procedure applicable to the application.

Applicants should follow the instructions in their approval notice and confirm when they are authorized to begin or continue working.

What Happens When You Arrive in Canada?

Receiving work permit approval does not eliminate normal Canadian entry requirements.

At the border, an officer may review:

• passport and identity;
• approval documents;
• job offer;
• employer information;
• qualifications;
• medical examination results where required; and
• other evidence relevant to the work permit.

Before leaving the port of entry, check the work permit carefully.

Confirm details such as:

• your name;
• employer, if employer-specific;
• occupation;
• work location, if applicable;
• expiry date; and
• any conditions.

If something appears incorrect, raise the issue before leaving the port of entry where possible.

How Long Does an IMP Application Take?

There is no single processing time for the International Mobility Program.

Processing time depends on factors such as:

• the type of work permit;
• the applicant’s country or location;
• whether the application is made inside or outside Canada;
• application volume;
• biometrics;
• medical examination requirements;
• background checks; and
• whether additional documents are requested.

Some eligible high-skilled work permit applicants may qualify for priority processing through Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, which has a two-week processing target for qualifying complete applications submitted from outside Canada.

However, not every IMP application qualifies for that service standard.

Applicants should use IRCC’s current processing-time information rather than assuming that IMP applications are always processed within a specific number of weeks.

Common Mistakes When Applying Under the International Mobility Program

Using the Wrong LMIA Exemption

The applicant must qualify for the exemption being claimed.

Choosing an exemption merely because it appears similar to the applicant’s situation can lead to refusal.

Employer Submits Incorrect Information

The employer’s Employer Portal submission and the worker’s application should be consistent.

Differences in:

• job title;
• duties;
• wage;
• location;
• employment duration; or
• LMIA exemption

can create concerns.

Applying Before the Employer Completes Its Steps

For most employer-specific IMP applications, the employer must submit the offer and complete the required compliance process before the foreign worker applies.

Treating the IMP as a Permanent Residence Program

The International Mobility Program provides temporary work authorization.

It is not itself a permanent residence program.

Canadian work experience may later be relevant to certain permanent residence pathways, but eligibility for permanent residence is assessed separately.

Assuming Every IMP Work Permit Is Employer-Specific

The IMP also includes open work permit situations.

The correct application process depends on whether the applicant qualifies for an employer-specific or open work permit.

Assuming Every IMP Application Can Be Made at the Border

Port-of-entry applications are restricted to applicants who meet the applicable eligibility rules.

Most people already in Canada cannot use flagpoling simply to obtain or extend a work permit.

Using Outdated Immigration Information

Work permit policies, LMIA exemptions and family open work permit rules can change.

Applicants should check current IRCC requirements for their specific category before submitting an application.

Can an International Mobility Program Application Be Refused?

Yes.

IMP work permit applications can be refused for reasons such as:

• failure to meet the requirements of the claimed LMIA exemption;
• insufficient supporting evidence;
• incomplete or inconsistent employer information;
• failure to meet general work permit requirements;
• inadmissibility;
• concerns about the genuineness of the employment;
• missing documents; or
• other material issues in the application.

A refusal should be reviewed based on the actual reasons identified by the immigration officer rather than assuming that simply submitting more documents will resolve the problem.

IMP Application Checklist

Before submitting an employer-specific IMP application, confirm that:

• the correct LMIA exemption has been identified;
• the applicant meets the exemption requirements;
• the employer has completed the Employer Portal submission, where required;
• the employer compliance fee has been paid, where required;
• the worker has received the offer of employment number;
• all required application forms are complete;
• supporting documents match the exemption being claimed;
• passport validity has been checked;
• biometrics requirements have been reviewed;
• medical examination requirements have been reviewed;
• current legal status has been considered if applying from Canada; and
• all information provided by the employer and worker is consistent.

Open work permit applicants should instead follow the requirements for their specific open work permit category.

International Mobility Program Application: Key Takeaway

Applying through the International Mobility Program is not simply a matter of submitting a general IMP form.

A successful process begins by identifying the correct LMIA exemption or open work permit category.

For most employer-specific cases, the process is:

1. identify the appropriate LMIA exemption;
2. confirm worker eligibility;
3. have the employer complete the Employer Portal requirements;
4. obtain the offer of employment number;
5. prepare the category-specific evidence;
6. submit the work permit application;
7. complete biometrics or a medical exam if required; and
8. wait for IRCC’s decision.

The exact requirements can vary considerably between IMP categories.

Get Help With an IMP Work Permit Application

If you are unsure which International Mobility Program category applies to your situation, or whether your Canadian employer has completed the required steps correctly, CanadaPass can review your employment situation, immigration status and supporting documentation.

If you have not yet identified the appropriate pathway, start with our International Mobility Program eligibility guide.

You can also complete the CanadaPass free assessment form for an initial review of your Canadian immigration and work permit options.