The International Mobility Program (IMP) is an exceptional pathway for individuals seeking work opportunities in Canada. Managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program allows employers to hire foreign nationals without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This guide will explore the eligibility, application process, and various aspects of the IMP, providing a comprehensive resource for prospective applicants and employers.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a temporary immigration program that facilitates hiring foreign workers to contribute to Canada’s economic, cultural, or competitive advantages. Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the IMP does not require Canadian employers to obtain an LMIA, making the process more straightforward and faster for eligible applicants.
Key objectives of the IMP include:
Make Your First Step Toward Canada
Eligibility for the IMP depends on meeting specific criteria that align with the program’s objectives.
Categories that commonly qualify for the IMP include:
To qualify for the IMP, applicants must:
| Feature | LMIA (TFWP) | IMP |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Address labour shortages in Canada | Broader economic, cultural, and trade goals |
| LMIA Requirement | Mandatory | Not Required |
| Examples of Work Permits | Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | Intra-company transfer, PGWP |
| Processing Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Focus | Employer-driven | Worker mobility and Reciprocal agreements |
| Government Oversight | Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) | Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
| Permit Types | LMIA-based work permits | LMIA-exempt work permits |
The IMP does not have a strict age limit for applicants. However, specific streams under the IMP, such as International Experience Canada (IEC), have specific age restrictions based on reciprocal agreements (e.g., 18–35 for youth mobility).
Processing times for the IMP can vary depending on:
IMP General Processing Time:Â Typically ranges from 2 to 8 weeks.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Q: What is the International Mobility Program?
The IMP allows foreign workers to obtain work permits without requiring an LMIA, focusing on cultural, economic, and competitive benefits to Canada.
Q: Who is eligible for the International Mobility Program in Canada
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s circumstances, such as being part of an FTA, an intra-company transfer, or a reciprocal agreement program. Specific streams may have additional criteria.
Q: How do you qualify for the International Mobility Program?
To qualify, applicants must meet the requirements of the specific stream under the IMP and submit all necessary documentation.
Q: What is the processing time for the Canada International Mobility Program?
Processing times vary by stream and location but typically range from 2 to 8 weeks.
Q: What is the processing time for IMP+?
The IMP+ stream often processes faster than other IMP streams, particularly for applicants already engaged in Quebec immigration programs.
Q: What is Canada’s work permit under the IMP?
An LMIA-exempt permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada under specific streams, such as intra-company transfers, PGWP, or trade agreements.
Q: What is the difference between LMIA and IMP?
The primary difference is that the IMP does not require an LMIA, while LMIA-based permits are part of the TFWP.
Q: What is the difference between IMP and TFWP Canada?
The IMP focuses on worker mobility and reciprocal agreements, whereas the TFWP addresses labour shortages.
Q: What is the age limit for the International Mobility Program in Canada?
There is no universal age limit, though specific streams, like IEC, may have age restrictions based on reciprocal agreements.
The IMP is an attractive pathway for employers and workers due to its flexibility, efficiency, and alignment with Canada’s economic and cultural priorities. By bypassing the LMIA requirement, the program reduces administrative burdens and costs and facilitates quicker access to the Canadian labour market.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system, offering diverse opportunities for foreign workers and fostering Canada’s economic and cultural growth. Whether you are an employer seeking talent or a worker aspiring to contribute to Canada’s success, understanding the IMP can open the door to fulfilling opportunities in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
Consult with a senior immigration lawyer for personalized guidance on navigating the nuances of the IMP and achieving your goals.
“The International Mobility Program serves as Canada’s gateway for global talent, allowing employers to hire foreign workers without the need for an LMIA when it serves Canada’s broader economic, social, or cultural interests. It’s a strategic pathway that recognizes that some talent is so vital or the circumstances so beneficial to Canada that it warrants an expedited and streamlined process. We help businesses navigate the various streams of the IMP, from intra-company transferees to those under international trade agreements, to efficiently bring in the expertise that drives innovation and global competitiveness.” – Feruza Djamalova, Senior Business Immigration Lawyer
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