Are you considering a move to Canada for work? The International Mobility Program (IMP) could be your ideal pathway. Unlike traditional work permit routes, the IMP allows foreign nationals to Obtain a Canadian work permit without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making the process faster, more flexible, and accessible.

This comprehensive guide breaks down how the program works, its key benefits, and other information you need for a successful and rewarding career in Canada.

What Is the International Mobility Program?

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a temporary immigration pathway and allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The program aims to attract foreign workers who contribute to advancing Canada’s economic, cultural, or competitive interests.

Purpose of the IMP:

  • Enhancing Canada’s economic competitiveness involves attracting skilled workers
  • Supporting cultural exchanges and promoting global cooperation through temporary foreign workers and international agreements
  • Maintaining diversity and innovation within Canadian industries while meeting labor shortages

Categories Tied to International and Reciprocal Agreements:

  • Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): These agreements permit eligible foreign business persons to work in Canada without an LMIA. Notable FTAs include:
  • Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
  • Canada–EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
  • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
  • Agreements with Chile, Peru, Colombia, Korea, and Panama
  • Reciprocal Employment Agreements: Allow foreign nationals to work in Canada when similar opportunities exist for Canadians abroad. Proof of reciprocity, such as exchange agreements or contracts, is required to ensure a balanced labour market impact.
  • International Experience Canada (IEC): A youth mobility program enabling individuals from over 30 partner countries to work and travel in Canada under categories like Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internship, encouraging cultural exchange and professional growth.

Key Features of the International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program (IMP) supports Canada’s broader economic, social, and cultural goals by offering flexible pathways for hiring foreign workers. Its key features include:

  • No LMIA Requirement: Employers are not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment, making the process more accessible compared to other immigration programs.
  • Faster Processing Times: Without the need for an LMIA, work permits under the IMP are often processed more quickly.
  • Flexible Work Permits: Depending on the specific stream, foreign workers may be eligible for either open work permits (allowing them to work for any employer in Canada) or employer-specific permits.

Benefits of the International Mobility Program

  • Gain Canadian Work Experience: Build international experience that can enhance your career and support future immigration pathways.
  • Improve Language Skills: Strengthen English or French proficiency in a real-world environment.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): Some IMP applicants may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
  • High Quality of Life: Enjoy Canada’s excellent healthcare, safety, and overall standard of living.
  • Cultural Diversity: Experience life in a multicultural society that values inclusion and diversity.
  • Access to Education: Opportunity to pursue further education or benefit from Canada’s world-class educational institutions for accompanying family members.

Examples of Work Permits Under the IMP

The International Mobility Program includes several LMIA-exempt work permits that allow foreign nationals to work in Canada temporarily:

1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):Graduates from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies.

2. Reciprocal Youth Exchange Agreements:Applicants aged 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on the partner country) can live and work in Canada under exchange programs, such as International Experience Canada (IEC). This includes Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op categories.

3. International Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):These agreements allow temporary entry for business persons from partner countries through a work permit without an LMIA. These provisions support business visits, intra-company transfers, and other professional engagements.

4. Intra-Company Transfer Program:This stream is for employees of multinational companies who are transferring to a Canadian branch. It facilitates the movement of key staff, such as executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers.

5. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP):Designed for individuals already in Canada who are in the process of applying for permanent residency. This permit allows them to continue working while their application is being processed.

6. Work with Social or Cultural Benefit to Canada: Applicants who can significantly contribute to Canada’s social or cultural landscape may qualify under this category. Programs like Mobilité Francophone fall under this stream, promoting skilled French-speaking workers outside Quebec.

Recent Developments in the IMP

Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) has undergone significant updates to align with evolving immigration objectives, economic needs, and labour market dynamics:

1. Adjusted Work Permit Targets

  • Between January and October 2024, Canada issued 627,460 work permits under the IMP, encompassing both new permits and extensions.
  • The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan sets a target of 285,750 new entries under the IMP for 2025, including 5,000 crisis/humanitarian arrivals.
  • These adjustments support the government’s aim to reduce temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s overall population by the end of 2026.

2. Stricter Eligibility for Spouses’ Open Work Permits

As of September 18, 2024, open work permit eligibility for spouses is limited to:

  • Spouses of international students enrolled in master’s programs of 16 months or more, doctoral programs, certain professional programs, and select pilot programs.
  • Spouses of temporary foreign workers in high-skilled management or professional occupations, critical sectors like healthcare and construction, or roles linked to government priorities (e.g., military).

3. New Requirements for Business Owners

Business owners applying under the IMP must now:

  • Demonstrate sufficient business funds.
  • Hold at least 51% ownership of their company.
  • Meet criteria ensuring significant economic contributions to Canada.

Note: Work permits are limited to 18 months under these provisions.

4. Conclusion of Temporary Visitor-to-Worker Policy

  • Effective August 28, 2024, the temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada has ended.
  • This change is part of efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

5. Introduction of International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+)

  • The IMP+ allows eligible individuals holding a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and a letter of invitation from Quebec to apply for an open work permit.
  • In 2024, up to 7,350 applications are accepted under this program.
  • Applicants must reside outside Quebec or Canada at the time of application.

Challenges Facing the IMP

Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) is encountering several significant challenges in 2025.

1. Processing Delays and Administrative Bottlenecks: The IMP has been criticized for untimely application processing. Employers and applicants face delays in obtaining work permits, affecting workforce planning and employment timelines.

2. Complexity and Evolution of LMIA Exemptions: The LMIA exemptions under the IMP continue to evolve and grow in complexity. This complexity leads to confusion among stakeholders and challenges for IRCC officers in assessing eligibility requirements.

3. Technical Issues with the Employer Portal: Employers have reported technical issues related to the Employer Portal, which is used to submit offers of employment. These issues hinder the application process and contribute to delays.

4. Stricter Eligibility Criteria for Open Work Permits: In 2025, the eligibility for open work permits has become more restrictive. Foreign nationals seeking an open work permit can only obtain one under specific LMIA exemptions, limiting flexibility for both workers and employers.

5. Increased Employer Compliance Responsibilities: Employers hiring through the IMP must meet certain conditions and responsibilities once the temporary foreign worker arrives. Failure to comply can result in penalties, adding to the administrative burden on employers.

6. Public Perception and Policy Shifts

Public opinion in Canada is increasingly viewing immigration as having a negative impact, influencing policy decisions. This shift has led to reduced immigration targets and stricter controls on temporary foreign workers, affecting the IMP’s operations.

By the Numbers: Impact of the IMP

1. Work Permit Issuance

  • Between January and October 2024, Canada issued 627,460 work permits under the IMP, encompassing both new permits and extensions.
  • In 2023, a total of 765,262 individuals were granted work permits through the IMP, marking a significant increase of 341,877 from 2022.

2. Transition to Permanent Residency: Between 2014 and 2022, approximately 35% of IMP work permit holders transitioned to permanent residency, with an additional 11% having pending applications.

3. Labour Market Participation

  • In 2021, about 69% of IMP participants reported employment income, compared to 87% under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
  • Approximately 71% of IMP workers earned less than the Canadian median income of $42,000, indicating a concentration in lower-paying jobs.

4. Demographic Insights: Between 2014 and 2022, 55% of IMP work permits were issued to men, while 45% were issued to women.

5. Economic Contributions: Temporary foreign workers, including those under the IMP, play a vital role in sectors like agriculture, food services, and manufacturing, accounting for a significant portion of the workforce in these industries

Steps to Apply for IMP Work Permits

1. Confirm Eligibility

  • For Employers: Determine if the position and candidate qualify for an LMIA exemption under the IMP.
  • For Foreign Workers: Ensure you meet the specific requirements of the IMP stream you’re applying under, such as holding a valid passport, having a job offer from a Canadian employer, and possessing the necessary qualifications.

2. Obtain a Job Offer: Secure a formal job offer from a Canadian employer. The offer should detail the job title, duties, salary, and duration of employment.

3. Employer Submits Offer through the Employer Portal:The Canadian employer must submit the job offer through the Employer Portal and pay the required compliance fee (currently $230). This step is crucial for LMIA-exempt work permit applications under the IMP.

4. Gather Required Documentation: Prepare and collect all necessary documents, which may include:

  • A valid passport
  • The job offer letter
  • Proof of qualifications (e.g., degrees, certifications)
  • Any additional documents specific to the IMP stream you’re applying under

5. Submit the Work Permit Application: Apply for the work permit online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Ensure all information is accurate and all required documents are uploaded.

6. Await Processing and Decision: After submission, monitor the application status through your IRCC account. Processing times can vary based on the applicant’s country of residence and the specific IMP stream.

7. Travel to Canada and Begin Employment: Once the work permit is approved, travel to Canada and commence employment as per the terms outlined in your work permit.

Build Your Future with the International Mobility Program

Dreaming of working and living in Canada? The International Mobility Program (IMP) could be your key to unlocking that dream. Designed to make the process of working in Canada more streamlined and flexible, the IMP offers a unique pathway for individuals seeking international experience and professional growth, without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

If you want to get Canada permanent residency under the the International Mobility Program, take the first step today to find your eligibility through a free CanadaPass assessment form. Our experts provide specific and useful services and consultations to help you achieve a successful immigration journey to Canada.