International Mobility Program

This page provides an overview of the programsavailable for foreign workers seeking temporary employment in Canada through an open work permit. These programs, collectively known as the International Mobility Program (IMP), offer an efficient pathway for employers to hire skilled individuals and for qualified foreign workers to contribute their expertise to the Canadian economy.

Key Features of the IMP:

●      Open Work Permits: Unlike traditional work permits tied to
specific employers, the IMP allows foreign workers to seek employment with any Canadian employer.

●      Streamlined Process: The IMP boasts shorter processing times
compared to traditional work permit applications requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), often taking just two weeks.

●      Skill-Based Streams: The IMP offers various streams catering to
different skill levels, ensuring flexibility for employers and attracting
qualified foreign talent across diverse industries.

●      Neutrality on Wages: The IMP does not prioritize applicants
based on the offered wage, promoting fair competition and focusing on skills and qualifications.

●     Commitment to Canadian Workforce: Employers utilizing the IMP must demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadians first and provide a transition plan for knowledge transfer, ensuring long-term benefits for the domestic workforce.

Canada’s International Mobility Program: Diverse Pathways to Temporary Work

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a comprehensive suite of programs facilitating the entry and temporary work of foreign nationals in Canada. Designed to advance Canada’s economic, cultural, and international interests, the IMP offers various pathways for skilled
individuals seeking to contribute their expertise.

Program Varieties:

●      Post-Graduation Work Permit: This program allows international
graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain valuable work experience in Canada, potentially enhancing their path to permanent residency.

●      Reciprocal Youth Exchange Agreements: Young people from
countries with agreements with Canada can participate in cultural exchange programs, experiencing life in Canada and developing professional skills.

●      International Free Trade Agreements: Provisions within certain
free trade agreements facilitate the temporary entry of business professionals from partner countries, fostering international trade and investment.

●      Intra-Company Transfer Program: Multinational companies can
transfer qualified employees between their Canadian and foreign entities to improve management, expand exports, and enhance global competitiveness.

●      Bridging Open Work Permit: Foreign nationals who have applied
for permanent residency under specific categories can hold this permit to continue working legally while their applications are processed.

●     Social or Cultural Benefit Circumstances: Exceptional cases where foreign nationals’ entry would provide significant social or cultural benefits to Canada are also considered under the IMP.

Benefits and Impact:

The IMP provides various benefits for both Canada and participating individuals. It stimulates the economy by attracting skilled talent, fuels cultural exchange, and promotes international trade. For eligible foreign nationals, the IMP offers opportunities to gain valuable Canadian work experience, build professional networks, and potentially even transition to permanent residency.

Determining
Eligibility for the International Mobility Program (IMP)

To apply for an open work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP), you must meet specific criteria:

●      Citizenship: Be a citizen of a country with an agreement or
understanding with Canada that allows for the movement of people between the countries. You can find a list of eligible countries on the IRCC website.

●      Job Offer and Employer Eligibility: Have a confirmed job offer
from an employer in Canada exempt from submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to Employment and Social Development Canada. The employer must be able to provide evidence of this exemption, such as form IMM5802.

●     Immigration Requirements: Meet all additional requirements outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and not be inadmissible to Canada. These requirements may include medical examinations, security checks, and financial resources verification.

Provincial Immigration Options and Permanent Residency:

If you meet the IMP criteria and maintain your Canadian employment for a specific period, you may also be eligible for provincial immigration programs. These programs offer alternative pathways to permanent residency in Canada. However, each province has its own requirements,
such as language proficiency or work experience in specific sectors.

Here’s the revised text adhering to the principles of informativeness, neutrality, and formality:

Applying for an Open Work Permit through the International Mobility Program (IMP)

Similar to the Temporary Foreign Work Permit Program, initiating the application for an IMP open work permit commences with
your Canadian employer.

Step 1: Job Offer and Employer Eligibility:

●      Your prospective employer must submit a formal job offer in
Canada through the Employer Portal.

●      Employers must fulfill the following requirements to hire
foreign workers through the IMP:

○      Demonstrate the job or worker meets LMIA exemption criteria.

○      Pay the $230 compliance fee.

○      Submit an official job offer via the IMP (if required).

●     
If you already possess an open work permit, your employer is not obligated to submit a job offer or pay the fee, simplifying and expediting the application process.

Step 2: Work Permit Application:

●      Upon receiving the job offer number, you can proceed to apply
for your temporary foreign work permit.

●      Your application will be approved if you meet eligibility
criteria for working in Canada.

●      Upon approval, you will receive:

○      A letter of introduction and work permit from a Canada Border
Services Officer (if applying from abroad).

○     A new work permit (if already in Canada or applying at the port of entry).

Important Note:

●      An open work permit does not guarantee entry into Canada. If
arriving from another country, you must obtain a Visitor’s Visa (Travel Visa)
or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

●     A medical certificate demonstrating good health may be required. Failure to meet health requirements could result in denial of entry to Canada. You can find information about potential inadmissibility reasons on the IRCC website.

Step 3: Preparing for Arrival:

●     Once your work permit and travel visa (if applicable) are issued, prepare to live and work in Canada.
This may involve securing housing, arranging transportation, and familiarizing yourself with local regulations and customs.

TFWP vs. IMP: