International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a strategic asset for Canadian businesses. Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the IMP allows employers to recruit international talent without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This exemption significantly streamlines administrative procedures and accelerates the integration of new skills into your team.

What is an LMIA Exemption?

An exemption means that an employer does not have to prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. These exceptions, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), are based on two major pillars:

• Significant Benefit: Bringing in skills that generate important economic, cultural, or social benefits for Canada.
• Reciprocity: Agreements that promote shared mobility between Canadians and foreign workers (e.g., International Experience Canada).

How to Hire via the IMP (A 3-Step Process)

To hire talent under the IMP, employers must follow a rigorous protocol through the IRCC Employer Portal:

1. Verification: Identify the specific exemption code (e.g., C10, C12, T23). 
2. Compliance: Pay the $230 CAD employer compliance fee.
3. Submission: Submit the official offer of employment through the system before the worker applies for their work permit.

Did you know? Workers in executive or professional positions (TEER categories 0 or 1 of the National Occupational Classification) may benefit from priority processing under certain conditions.

Overview of Major Exemptions

Canada facilitates labor mobility with its global trade partners. These agreements allow professionals and technicians to relocate without an LMIA:

• CUSMA (formerly NAFTA - USA and Mexico).
• CETA (European Union).
• CPTPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership).

View the full list of Canada’s Free Trade Agreements.

• Intra-Company Transfers: Allows a company to move executives or experts to its Canadian branch.
• Francophone Mobility: A major exemption for French-speaking workers recruited outside of Quebec. 

• Permanent Residency Applicants: Particularly through the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) (Internal Link).
• Humanitarian Reasons: To address critical situations or protection needs.

Optimize Your International Recruitment

While the IMP is a fast-track route, it requires technical precision. Choosing the wrong exemption code or misclassifying a role according to the NOC 2021 can lead to an immediate work permit refusal.

Need support for your next hire? Contact our International Mobility Experts