International Mobility Program Eligibility: Who Can Apply and What’s Required?

Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) allows certain foreign nationals to work in Canada without their employer first obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

However, there is no single set of “International Mobility Program eligibility requirements” that applies to everyone. The IMP is an umbrella for several LMIA-exempt work permit categories, and each category has its own eligibility rules.

Depending on your situation, you may qualify through an international trade agreement, Francophone Mobility, International Experience Canada, an open work permit category, an intra-company transfer or another LMIA exemption.

The first step is therefore not simply asking, “Am I eligible for the IMP?” but identifying which IMP category applies to your situation and whether you meet the requirements for that category.

This guide explains who may qualify under the International Mobility Program, the difference between employer-specific and open work permits, and the main requirements applicants and employers should understand in 2026.

What Is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

The International Mobility Program is the part of Canada’s temporary worker system that allows eligible foreign nationals to work in Canada without an LMIA.

This is the main distinction between the IMP and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Under the TFWP, an employer normally needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker is justified based on Canadian labour-market requirements. Under the IMP, the worker must instead qualify for a recognized LMIA exemption or an eligible open work permit category.

IRCC describes the IMP as supporting economic, social, cultural and other Canadian interests while allowing employers to hire eligible temporary foreign workers without an LMIA.

An IMP work permit may be:

• employer-specific, meaning the worker is authorized to work according to conditions stated on the permit, such as the employer, occupation or location; or
• open, meaning the worker can generally work for most eligible employers in Canada.

Not every LMIA-exempt worker qualifies under the same rules, and applicants cannot simply choose an open work permit instead of an employer-specific one. Eligibility depends on the category under which they apply.

Who Is Eligible for the International Mobility Program?

People may qualify for the International Mobility Program through several different types of LMIA exemptions and open work permit categories.

The following are some of the most important examples.

This table is only a general overview. Each category has additional requirements.

1. Workers Covered by Free Trade Agreements

Canada’s international agreements create LMIA exemptions for certain foreign workers.

Depending on the agreement and the applicant’s situation, eligible categories may include:

• professionals
• traders
• investors
• intra-company transferees
• certain business-related workers

For example, the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) contains provisions for qualifying professionals, traders, investors and intra-company transferees.

Eligibility is not based simply on being a citizen of a country that has a trade agreement with Canada. The applicant must also meet the requirements of the specific category being used, which can include requirements related to occupation, professional qualifications, the employer and the employment relationship.

2. Francophone Mobility

Francophone Mobility allows eligible French-speaking foreign nationals to obtain an LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit for employment outside Quebec.

For applications under the current rules, the worker generally must:

• meet the general requirements for a Canadian work permit;
• intend to live and work in a province or territory outside Quebec;
• demonstrate French speaking and listening ability at approximately NCLC level 5 or higher; and
• have an eligible Canadian job offer.

The job may generally fall within any NOC TEER category, with an exception for certain primary agriculture occupations in TEER 4 and 5.

Before the worker applies, the employer normally submits an offer of employment through the Employer Portal using the applicable Francophone Mobility LMIA exemption code and pays the employer compliance fee.

3. International Experience Canada

International Experience Canada (IEC) provides work and travel opportunities for eligible youth from participating countries and territories.

The 2026 IEC season is open, but eligibility depends on factors such as:

• citizenship;
• age;
• the agreement Canada has with the applicant’s country;
• the IEC category available to that country; and
• category-specific requirements.

There are three principal IEC categories.

Working Holiday

Working Holiday generally provides an open work permit.

Applicants do not normally need a pre-arranged Canadian job offer and can generally work for more than one employer during their authorized stay.

Young Professionals

Young Professionals provides an employer-specific work permit.

Applicants need a Canadian job offer that contributes to their professional development and must normally work for the employer specified in their application.

International Co-op

International Co-op is intended for eligible students who require a Canadian work placement or internship related to their studies.

It also normally results in an employer-specific work permit.

The exact age limits, participation periods and available categories differ by citizenship, so applicants must check the rules for their country rather than relying on a universal IEC age limit.

4. Post-Graduation Work Permit Holders

Some graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

A PGWP is an open work permit, meaning an eligible graduate does not need a specific Canadian employer to apply.

However, graduating from a Canadian school does not automatically make someone eligible for a PGWP.

Current eligibility can depend on factors including:

• the institution and program;
• program length;
• the type of credential;
• language requirements; and
• field-of-study requirements where applicable.

For many applicants, PGWP eligibility rules changed substantially beginning in November 2024. Current applicants should therefore check the requirements that apply to their particular program and graduation date.

5. Bridging Open Work Permit Applicants

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may allow certain permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.

A BOWP is not available merely because someone has created an Express Entry profile or hopes to apply for permanent residence.

For example, an Express Entry applicant generally needs to have:

• submitted a complete permanent residence application;
• passed the required completeness check;
• received an acknowledgement of receipt;
• be the principal applicant; and
• meet the applicable temporary status and work permit requirements.

BOWP eligibility also exists for certain applicants under other eligible permanent residence programs, with different requirements depending on the program.

6. Spouses and Common-Law Partners

Some spouses and common-law partners of international students or temporary foreign workers may qualify for an open work permit, but eligibility is no longer as broad as it once was.

For spouses of international students, rules introduced in January 2025 restricted eligibility primarily to spouses of students in:

• master’s programs of at least 16 months;
• doctoral programs; and
• certain eligible professional or other specified programs.

Eligibility for spouses and family members of foreign workers is also subject to occupation, work permit and other category-specific requirements.

For this reason, being married to a Canadian work permit or study permit holder does not by itself guarantee eligibility for an open work permit. Current IRCC family open work permit criteria should be checked for the principal applicant’s exact situation.

7. Intra-Company Transferees and Other Significant-Benefit Categories

Some foreign workers may qualify for LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits because their employment provides a recognized benefit to Canada or falls within another exemption under Canadian immigration regulations.

This can include certain:

• intra-company transferees;
• workers whose employment provides a significant economic, social or cultural benefit;
• reciprocal employment arrangements;
• academics and researchers;
• charitable or religious workers; and
• workers covered by federal-provincial agreements or other public policies.

The requirements vary substantially between categories. An applicant should not assume that being a business owner, executive, specialist or self-employed professional automatically creates an IMP exemption.

The underlying LMIA exemption must be identified and supported with evidence appropriate to that specific category.

Do You Need a Job Offer to Qualify for the IMP?

It depends on whether you are applying for an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit.

Employer-Specific IMP Work Permits

For most employer-specific IMP applications, a Canadian job offer is required.

In most cases, before the worker applies, the employer must:

1. determine that the position qualifies for an LMIA exemption;
2. submit an offer of employment through IRCC’s Employer Portal;
3. pay the $230 employer compliance fee, unless an exemption applies; and
4. provide the worker with the offer of employment number needed for the work permit application.

IRCC confirms that this is the standard process for most employer-specific workers hired through the IMP.

There are exceptions. Some employers are exempt from the Employer Portal requirement, the compliance fee or both, depending on the applicable category.

Open Work Permits

An open work permit generally does not require a job offer.

Instead, the applicant must qualify under a specific open work permit category.

Examples can include eligible:

• PGWP applicants;
• IEC Working Holiday participants;
• permanent residence applicants;
• spouses and family members in qualifying circumstances;
• refugees, protected persons and certain claimants;
• vulnerable workers; and
• other applicants covered by specific immigration programs or public policies.

An open work permit therefore is not a general alternative for anyone who cannot find an employer. The applicant must first have a legal basis for open work permit eligibility.

What Are the Requirements for International Mobility Program Applicants?

Because IMP eligibility is category-specific, there is no single document checklist that applies to every applicant.

However, several requirements commonly arise.

1. You Must Qualify for a Recognized LMIA Exemption or Open Work Permit

This is the central requirement.

For an employer-specific IMP permit, the applicant normally needs to demonstrate that the employment falls under an applicable LMIA exemption.

For an open work permit, the applicant needs to qualify under one of the situations in which IRCC authorizes an open permit.

Simply having a Canadian job offer does not make the job LMIA-exempt.

If the position requires an LMIA, the employer must generally use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program rather than the IMP.

2. You Must Meet the Requirements of Your Specific IMP Category

Each exemption has its own criteria.

Depending on the category, evidence may include:

• citizenship or nationality;
• professional qualifications;
• employment experience;
• proof of a corporate relationship;
• job duties;
• education;
• language ability;
• proof of relationship;
• permanent residence application records;
• evidence of significant benefit; or
• documents showing eligibility under an international agreement.

The strength and relevance of the evidence matter because the officer must determine that the applicant actually qualifies for the exemption being claimed.

3. Employer Requirements Must Be Completed Where Applicable

For many employer-specific IMP permits, the employer must complete its obligations before the foreign national submits the work permit application.

This usually includes submitting the offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paying the employer compliance fee unless an exemption applies.

Workers applying for open work permits do not require an employer to submit an offer through the Employer Portal merely because they later intend to work for that employer.

4. You Must Meet Canada’s General Work Permit Requirements

Qualifying for an IMP category does not automatically guarantee a work permit.

A person applying from outside Canada generally must also demonstrate that they:

• have sufficient funds to support themselves and accompanying family members and to return home;
• provide the required documents;
• satisfy an officer that they will leave Canada when their authorized stay ends; and
• are not inadmissible to Canada.

Medical, criminal, security or misrepresentation issues can also affect admissibility and the outcome of an application.

5. You May Need Additional Documents Based on the Category

There is no universal IMP document list.

Depending on the application, supporting evidence could include:

• a valid passport;
• an offer of employment number;
• employment letters;
• corporate records;
• educational credentials;
• professional licences;
• evidence of nationality;
• proof of French-language ability;
• proof of relationship;
• acknowledgement of receipt for a permanent residence application;
• biometrics;
• police certificates; or
• medical examination results.

Applicants should use the document requirements for their exact work permit category rather than relying on a generic IMP checklist.

How Can You Tell Which IMP Category You May Qualify For?

The following questions can help narrow down the possibilities.

Do you already have a Canadian job offer?

If yes, determine whether the employer needs an LMIA.

If the position is LMIA-exempt, identify the specific exemption before preparing the application.

If an LMIA is required, the employment normally falls under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program rather than the IMP.

Are you being transferred from a foreign company to a related Canadian company?

You may need to examine whether an intra-company transfer or an applicable international agreement provides an LMIA exemption.

The corporate relationship, your previous employment and your proposed Canadian role can all be important.

Are you a citizen of a country that has a trade or mobility agreement with Canada?

Your nationality may create access to certain LMIA-exempt categories, but you must still satisfy the requirements of the specific agreement and worker category.

Do you speak French and have a job outside Quebec?

Francophone Mobility may be relevant if you have an eligible Canadian job offer and meet the French-language requirements.

Are you a recent graduate of a Canadian institution?

You may qualify for a PGWP if your institution, program, credential and individual circumstances meet the current eligibility requirements.

Have you already applied for permanent residence?

Depending on the immigration program and the stage of your permanent residence application, you may qualify for a BOWP or another work permit connected to a permanent residence pathway.

Are you the spouse or common-law partner of a worker or student?

You may qualify for an open work permit, but eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s current immigration status, occupation or study program and the specific family open work permit rules.

Are you eligible for International Experience Canada?

Your citizenship, age and the agreement between Canada and your country will determine whether you may participate in Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op.

International Mobility Program Eligibility for Open vs. Employer-Specific Work Permits

One of the easiest ways to understand IMP eligibility is to separate the two work permit types.

You may be looking at an employer-specific IMP permit if:

• you have a Canadian employer;
• you will work in a particular position;
• your employment qualifies for an LMIA exemption; and
• the employer must complete the IMP employer process before you apply.

Examples include many Francophone Mobility, trade agreement, IEC Young Professionals and other LMIA-exempt employment categories.

You may be looking at an open work permit if:

• you qualify under a specific open work permit policy or program; and
• your eligibility is based primarily on your status or circumstances rather than one particular employer.

Examples include qualifying PGWP applicants, Working Holiday participants, BOWP applicants and certain eligible spouses or family members.

Does an IMP Work Permit Lead to Permanent Residence?

The International Mobility Program itself is not a permanent residence program.

An IMP work permit gives eligible foreign nationals temporary authorization to work in Canada.

However, Canadian work experience obtained while legally working in Canada may later be relevant to some permanent residence pathways, depending on the type of work performed and the requirements of the immigration program.

For example, some workers may later qualify through:

• Express Entry;
• the Canadian Experience Class;
• a Provincial Nominee Program; or
• another economic or family immigration pathway.

This should not be interpreted to mean that every IMP work permit creates a pathway to permanent residence. Eligibility for permanent residence must be assessed separately.

Can an IMP Application Be Refused?

Yes.

Being LMIA-exempt does not mean that approval is automatic.

An application can be refused if, for example:

• the applicant does not meet the requirements of the claimed LMIA exemption;
• required employer steps were not completed correctly;
• the evidence does not sufficiently support the employment or exemption;
• the applicant does not meet general work permit requirements;
• there are admissibility concerns; or
• the officer is not satisfied with another material part of the application.

For employer-specific applications, the employer and the offer of employment must also comply with applicable IMP requirements.

International Mobility Program Eligibility in 2026: What Applicants Should Remember

The most important point is that the International Mobility Program is not one work permit with one eligibility test.

It is a framework covering several different LMIA-exempt and open work permit situations.

A useful eligibility assessment should therefore answer three questions:

1. What type of work permit do you need—open or employer-specific?
2. What specific IMP or LMIA-exempt category applies to you?
3. Do both you and, where applicable, your Canadian employer meet the requirements of that category?

If the correct exemption cannot be identified, simply having a Canadian employer or wanting to work in Canada is not enough to qualify under the IMP.

Because Canadian work permit rules and eligibility policies change regularly, applicants should verify the current IRCC requirements for their specific category before applying.

If you have identified the IMP category that may apply to you, the next step is understanding the application process. See our guide on how to apply for the International Mobility Program.

Get Help Assessing Your Canadian Work Permit Options

If you are unsure whether you qualify under the International Mobility Program, another LMIA-exempt category, or an LMIA-based work permit, the first step is to identify the work permit pathway that fits your circumstances.

CanadaPass can review your background, employment situation and immigration goals to help determine which Canadian immigration or work permit options may be available to you.

You can begin with the CanadaPass free assessment form to provide the information needed for an initial review.