International Mobility Program (IMP)

International Mobility Program (IMP) Canada – Work in Canada Without LMIA

The International Mobility Program (IMP) lets foreign workers come to Canada without an LMIA. It gives faster work permits, valuable Canadian work experience, flexible employment options, and a potential path to permanent residency. This guide explains everything you need to know in a simple, friendly way.

---

Moving to Canada can feel big and sometimes confusing. There are many rules and programs. One of the easier ways for workers and employers is through the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The IMP lets Canadian companies bring in foreign workers without the long LMIA process. (LMIA means “Labour Market Impact Assessment”, a test to see if no Canadian can do the job. It takes time and costs money.)

That’s why the IMP is so helpful. It’s faster, less paperwork, and it supports Canada’s economy, culture, and communities.

• Streams:
  • Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs)
  • International Agreements
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Open Work Permits
  • Mobilité Francophone
  • Reciprocal Employment

✅ Good news: If you’re an international graduate or a worker with special skills, the IMP could be your chance to start your Canadian journey.

What is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

The IMP is a program by the Canadian government that helps:

• Canadian employers hire foreign workers easily.
• Workers start jobs in Canada faster.

The big difference: No LMIA is needed. That means less waiting and lower costs for employers.

The IMP isn’t only about filling jobs. It also:

• Brings new ideas and skills to Canada.
• Supports international trade agreements.
• Helps French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

How Does the IMP Work?

Here’s how the process works for employers and workers:

1. Employer pays a compliance fee (set by the government).
2. Employer submits a job offer through the online Employer Portal.
3. Worker applies for a work permit based on the job offer.

After approval, the worker can start working in Canada.

Important: Employers must follow Canadian work standards. That means:

• Fair wages.
• Safe workplaces.
• Accurate job descriptions.

The government does random checks to ensure compliance.

✅ Tip: Don’t worry if this seems complex. We guide you step by step — start with a free consultation today.

Main Streams Under the IMP

The IMP has several streams (categories) for different types of workers. Here’s an easy-to-read table:

Stream / Category	Who It’s For	Key Benefit	Example Cases
Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs)	Employees moving from a company office abroad to a branch in Canada	Work in Canada for the same company	Managers, specialists, executives
International Agreements	Workers covered by trade treaties	LMIA-exempt permits under agreements	CETA (EU), CUSMA (U.S. & Mexico)
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)	International graduates of Canadian schools	Work anywhere in Canada after graduation	College or university grads
Open Work Permits	Family members or youth exchange participants	Freedom to work for most employers	Spouses of students/workers, Working Holiday Visa
Mobilité Francophone	French-speaking workers outside Quebec	Easier path to work in Canada	Teachers, engineers, nurses speaking French
Reciprocal Employment	Jobs where Canadians also get opportunities abroad	Balance between Canadian and foreign workers	Cultural exchange programs

✅ Tip: Each stream has its own rules and benefits. Many workers have started their Canadian journey this way, maybe you’ll be next!

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

These streams are all LMIA-exempt, meaning employers do not need to prove that no Canadian can fill the role.

• Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs): Move to a Canadian branch of your company.
• International Trade Agreements: Covered by agreements like CETA or CUSMA.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Stay and work after graduating from a Canadian school.
• Open Work Permits: Spouses, youth exchange programs, or some humanitarian cases.
• Mobilité Francophone: French-speaking workers outside Quebec.
• Reciprocal Employment: Cultural or youth exchange programs where Canadians also get work abroad.

Employer Responsibilities & Compliance

Even though the IMP is easier than LMIA, employers must:

• Pay the compliance fee.
• Provide honest job details.
• Treat workers fairly (wages, conditions, job duties).
• Keep employment records.

Random inspections happen. Non-compliance can result in fines or losing the ability to hire foreign workers.

Benefits of the IMP

For Employers:

• Faster hiring process.
• Access to international talent.
• Easier way to bring in skilled workers.

For Workers:

• More chances to work in Canada.
• Flexible work permits.
• Gain Canadian work experience.
• Potential pathway to permanent residency.

For Canada:

• Economic growth.
• More cultural diversity.
• Support for French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

IMP vs. TFWP

Many people mix up the IMP with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Here’s a simple table to see the difference:

Feature	IMP	TFWP
LMIA required?	No	Yes
Purpose	Policy goals, global talent, culture, trade	Filling labor shortages
Speed	Faster	Slower
Who benefits?	Employers, workers, Canada’s economy & culture	Employers needing urgent workers

Tip: If you want a smoother, faster process, the IMP may be better if you qualify.

Practical Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tips:

• Keep all job details clear and honest.
• Check the correct IMP category before applying.
• Follow Canadian work standards carefully.

Common mistakes:

• Skipping the compliance fee.
• Not keeping employment records.
• Confusing IMP with the TFWP process.

Conclusion

The International Mobility Program (IMP) makes moving to Canada simpler. It helps employers hire faster and workers bring their skills to Canada with fewer barriers.

It’s not just about jobs. It’s about people, culture, ideas, and building a future together. Many workers and students have already used this path — maybe you’ll be next!

✅ Next step: Fill out our free assessment form to see if the IMP is right for you. We’ll guide you step by step.

FAQs