Canada’s
International Mobility Program (IMP) allows eligible foreign nationals to work in Canada without their employer first obtaining a
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which generally requires an LMIA, the IMP covers work permits and LMIA exemptions that support Canada’s broader economic, social, cultural and international interests.The IMP is not a single visa or one immigration stream. It is a framework that includes several types of
LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits, as well as certain
open work permits.This guide explains how the International Mobility Program works, the types of workers it covers, the difference between the IMP and LMIA-based work permits, what Canadian employers must do, and how foreign workers can determine the right pathway.
What Is the International Mobility Program?
The
International Mobility Program is one of the main ways foreign nationals can receive authorization to work temporarily in Canada without an LMIA.Under the IMP, eligible workers may receive either:
- an employer-specific work permit, tied to a particular employer and employment conditions; or
- an open work permit, which generally allows the holder to work for most eligible employers in Canada.
IRCC describes the IMP as allowing employers to hire temporary foreign workers without an LMIA when the employment supports broader Canadian economic, social or cultural priorities.The IMP includes a wide range of situations, from international trade agreements and Francophone Mobility to International Experience Canada and
certain open work permits.
International Mobility Program vs. Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada uses two major frameworks for temporary foreign workers:
| International Mobility Program | Temporary Foreign Worker Program |
|---|
| LMIA generally not required | LMIA generally required |
| Administered primarily by IRCC | LMIA process administered primarily by ESDC |
| May include open or employer-specific permits | Work permits are employer-specific |
| Based on recognized LMIA exemptions or open work permit eligibility | Based mainly on demonstrated Canadian labour-market need |
| Employer Portal commonly used for employer-specific IMP permits | LMIA approval generally comes before the work permit application |
The central difference is the
LMIA.Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, an employer generally needs to demonstrate through the LMIA process that hiring a foreign worker is justified based on Canadian labour-market conditions.Under the IMP, the applicant instead needs to fall within a recognized LMIA exemption or an eligible open work permit category.If you are unsure whether a position requires an LMIA, see our guide to
Labour Market Impact Assessments in Canada.
Who Can Work in Canada Through the IMP?
There is no single IMP eligibility test.Eligibility depends on the specific LMIA exemption or open work permit category that applies to the foreign national.Examples of workers who may fall under the International Mobility Program include:
- workers covered by certain international trade agreements;
- eligible intra-company transferees;
- French-speaking workers under Francophone Mobility;
- eligible International Experience Canada participants;
- certain Post-Graduation Work Permit holders;
- eligible Bridging Open Work Permit applicants;
- certain eligible spouses and family members;
- workers whose employment provides a recognized significant benefit;
- workers covered by reciprocal employment arrangements; and
- other foreign nationals covered by specific LMIA exemptions or public policies.
Each category has its own requirements.For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to
International Mobility Program eligibility, including who may qualify and what requirements apply.
Open vs. Employer-Specific Work Permits Under the IMP
Understanding the difference between these permit types is essential.
Employer-Specific Work Permits
An employer-specific work permit normally limits the worker to the employment conditions listed on the permit.Those conditions may include:
- the employer;
- the occupation;
- the location of employment; and
- the period during which the worker may work.
For most employer-specific IMP applications, the Canadian employer must complete certain steps before the foreign worker applies.
Open Work Permits
An open work permit is not tied to one specific Canadian employer.Eligible open work permit holders can generally work for most compliant employers in Canada.However, applicants cannot simply choose an open permit because they prefer greater flexibility.They must first qualify under a category that allows an open work permit.Examples may include certain:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit holders;
- International Experience Canada Working Holiday participants;
- Bridging Open Work Permit applicants;
- spouses and family members who meet current eligibility requirements; and
- other applicants covered by specific programs or public policies.
IRCC provides an official tool to help foreign nationals determine which type of work permit they may need.
Major Categories Under the International Mobility Program
The IMP includes many LMIA-exempt situations.Some of the most important categories include the following.
International Trade Agreements
Canada’s international trade agreements can provide LMIA exemptions for certain foreign workers.Depending on the agreement, eligible categories may include:
- professionals;
- traders;
- investors;
- business persons; and
- intra-company transferees.
Examples of relevant agreements include CUSMA and other trade agreements between Canada and participating countries.Eligibility depends on the exact agreement, citizenship and worker category.
Francophone Mobility
Francophone Mobility allows eligible French-speaking foreign nationals to work for Canadian employers outside Quebec without an LMIA.The worker generally needs:
- an eligible Canadian job offer;
- qualifying French-language ability;
- employment outside Quebec; and
- compliance with the other requirements of the exemption.
The employer normally completes the Employer Portal process before the worker submits the work permit application.
International Experience Canada
International Experience Canada allows eligible citizens of participating countries to work and travel in Canada.IEC includes three principal categories:
- Working Holiday
- Young Professionals
- International Co-op
Working Holiday generally provides an open work permit.Young Professionals and International Co-op generally involve employer-specific work permits and employer compliance requirements.Eligibility, age limits and participation periods vary by citizenship.
Intra-Company Transfers
Certain employees of multinational organizations may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit when being transferred to a qualifying Canadian related entity.The applicant and employer must satisfy the requirements of the applicable intra-company transfer category.Factors such as:
- the relationship between the Canadian and foreign businesses;
- the applicant’s previous employment;
- the proposed Canadian position; and
- the applicable LMIA exemption
may be relevant.See our
Canada Intra-Company Transfer guide for more detailed information.
Open Work Permit Categories
The IMP also includes several situations in which foreign nationals may hold open work permits.These can include eligible:
- Canadian graduates;
- permanent residence applicants;
- IEC Working Holiday participants;
- spouses or family members; and
- other workers covered by specific immigration programs or public policies.
Because open work permit eligibility changes periodically, applicants should verify the rules that apply to their exact situation before applying.
How Canadian Employers Hire Through the IMP
For most employer-specific IMP work permits, the Canadian employer has an important role in the process.
IRCC currently requires most employers hiring through the IMP to:
- determine the correct LMIA exemption;
- submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal;
- pay the $230 employer compliance fee, unless an exemption applies; and
- give the foreign worker the offer of employment number needed for the work permit application.
The employer’s submission includes information about:
- the Canadian business;
- the foreign worker;
- the job;
- wages;
- working conditions; and
- the LMIA exemption being used.
The employer must complete the required IMP employer process
before the worker submits the employer-specific work permit application.There are exceptions.For example, employers hiring someone who already has a valid open work permit generally do not need to submit an IMP offer of employment or pay the employer compliance fee.Some employers and LMIA-exempt categories also have specific compliance-fee or Employer Portal exemptions.
How Does a Foreign Worker Apply Under the IMP?
There is no separate universal application called an “IMP application.”The foreign national normally applies for a
Canadian work permit under the specific LMIA-exempt or open work permit category that applies to them.The process therefore depends on the type of work permit.For an employer-specific IMP work permit, the process commonly looks like this:
- Determine the applicable LMIA exemption.
- Confirm that the worker meets the exemption requirements.
- The employer completes the required Employer Portal steps.
- The employer provides the offer of employment number.
- The worker prepares the required documents.
- The worker submits the work permit application.
- IRCC assesses both work permit eligibility and admissibility.
Open work permit applicants follow the process applicable to their specific open work permit category.For detailed instructions, see our guide on
how to apply for the International Mobility Program.
What Is the Employer Portal?
The
Employer Portal is IRCC’s online system for employers hiring certain LMIA-exempt foreign workers through the International Mobility Program.Employers use it to submit offers of employment before the worker applies for an employer-specific work permit.The portal collects information including:
- employer details;
- job duties;
- wages;
- working conditions;
- occupation;
- work location; and
- the applicable LMIA exemption.
Once the required submission has been completed, the employer receives an offer of employment number that the worker can use in their work permit application.The Employer Portal is generally not required when hiring a worker who already holds an eligible open work permit.
Employer Responsibilities Under the IMP
Avoiding the LMIA process does not mean that Canadian employers are free from compliance requirements.Employers using the IMP must comply with the employment conditions and information submitted to IRCC.This can include obligations relating to:
- wages;
- occupation and duties;
- working conditions;
- workplace laws;
- documentation and record keeping; and
- cooperation with employer inspections.
IRCC can inspect employers to determine whether they have complied with the conditions of the International Mobility Program.Non-compliance can lead to consequences including administrative monetary penalties and restrictions on hiring foreign workers.
Does the International Mobility Program Lead to Permanent Residence?
The
International Mobility Program is not itself a permanent residence program.An IMP work permit provides temporary authorization to work in Canada.However, Canadian work experience gained while legally working in Canada may later be relevant to a permanent residence application.Depending on the person’s circumstances, possible future pathways may include:
- Express Entry;
- Canadian Experience Class;
- Provincial Nominee Programs; or
- another federal or provincial immigration pathway.
Whether the work experience qualifies depends on the requirements of the permanent residence program.An IMP work permit therefore should not be described as automatically leading to Canadian permanent residence.
Is the IMP Faster Than an LMIA-Based Work Permit?
The IMP removes the need for the employer to complete an LMIA before the work permit application.That can eliminate a major additional stage from the hiring process.However, this does
not mean every IMP work permit is processed within a fixed or guaranteed timeframe.Processing time can vary according to:
- the type of work permit;
- where the applicant applies from;
- the application volume;
- whether biometrics or a medical examination are required;
- the completeness of the application; and
- whether IRCC requires additional information.
Applicants should check IRCC’s current processing-time information rather than relying on a fixed number of weeks.
International Mobility Program Changes in 2026
IMP rules should always be checked against current IRCC guidance because LMIA exemptions and work permit policies can change.One notable 2026 development is a temporary LMIA exemption for certain workers in Quebec who are extending employer-specific work permits while meeting specified conditions.IRCC states that this exemption became available on
March 13, 2026 for eligible workers and employers.Other areas of Canada’s temporary worker system—including family open work permits, post-graduation work permits and other work authorization policies—have also undergone significant changes in recent years.Applicants should therefore avoid relying on outdated eligibility checklists or articles that treat IMP rules as static.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IMP
Is the International Mobility Program a visa?
No.The IMP is a framework under which eligible foreign nationals may obtain work authorization without an LMIA.Depending on nationality and circumstances, a worker may separately need a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization to travel to Canada.
Does every IMP worker need a Canadian job offer?
No.Employer-specific IMP work permits normally involve a Canadian job offer.Open work permit holders generally do not need a specific employer to qualify, but they must meet the requirements of an eligible open work permit category.
Does an IMP employer need an LMIA?
Generally no.The defining feature of the IMP is that the employment or worker qualifies without an LMIA.If an LMIA is required, the employer normally uses the Temporary Foreign Worker Program instead.
Does the employer always need to pay the $230 compliance fee?
No.The $230 employer compliance fee applies in most employer-specific IMP situations, but some employers or LMIA exemption categories are exempt.Employers hiring an existing open work permit holder generally do not use the Employer Portal or pay this compliance fee.
Can I apply for the IMP without an employer?
Possibly, if you qualify for an eligible
open work permit category.You cannot generally obtain an employer-specific IMP work permit without the employer and employment conditions required by the applicable LMIA exemption.
How do I know whether I qualify?
The answer depends on your citizenship, job offer, occupation, employer, immigration status and the particular LMIA exemption or open work permit policy that may apply.See our detailed guide to
International Mobility Program eligibility for a category-by-category explanation.
International Mobility Program: The Key Point
The International Mobility Program makes it possible for many foreign nationals to work in Canada
without an LMIA, but there is no single IMP application or eligibility rule.The correct process depends on identifying:
- whether the worker needs an open or employer-specific work permit;
- the specific LMIA exemption or open work permit category;
- whether the worker meets that category’s requirements; and
- whether the Canadian employer must complete Employer Portal and compliance steps.
Determining the correct work permit category before applying is important because different IMP pathways have different evidence, employer obligations and eligibility requirements.
Get Help With Your Canadian Work Permit Options
If you are unsure whether your situation falls under the International Mobility Program, an LMIA-based work permit or another Canadian work authorization pathway, CanadaPass can review your circumstances and available immigration options.You can begin with the
CanadaPass free assessment form or book a consultation for an individualized review.
