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Updated: July 27, 2026
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.
What is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?
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:
- Promoting Canada’s broader economic and cultural interests.
- Strengthening reciprocal international agreements, such as trade agreements or youth exchange programs.
- Supporting Canadian competitiveness in global markets.
Who is Eligible for the International Mobility Program?
Eligibility for the IMP depends on meeting specific criteria that align with the program’s objectives.
Categories that commonly qualify for the IMP include:
- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):
- Workers from countries with which Canada has trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP and others) can apply for work permits without an LMIA under the provisions outlined in these agreements.
- Intra-Company Transfers:
- Employees transferring within multinational companies to work in Canada. See new updates on the ICT work permits.
- Reciprocal Agreements:
- Participants in exchange programs such as International Experience Canada (IEC).
- Significant Benefit to Canada:
- Individuals whose employment in Canada significantly benefits Canada economically, socially, or culturally (e.g., entrepreneurs, entertainers, researchers).
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP):
- Open work permits for graduates of eligible Canadian programs. Since November 1, 2024, applicants must meet language and field-of-study requirements (CLB/NCLC 7 for university, CLB/NCLC 5 for college).
How Do You Qualify for the International Mobility Program?
To qualify for the IMP, applicants must:
- Fulfill the specific requirements of the applicable IMP stream (e.g., FTA, intra-company transfer).
- Provide evidence of their qualifications, employment offer, and other documentation relevant to their stream.
- Obtain an offer of employment submitted through the Employer Portal by a Canadian employer, if required.
Key Features of the IMP Work Permit
- No LMIA Required:
- Unlike the TFWP, the IMP waives the LMIA requirement, reducing paperwork, costs and processing times.
- Flexibility in Employment:
- Depending on the stream, the IMP may allow for employer-specific or open work permits.
- Emphasis on Reciprocity:
- Many IMP streams are based on reciprocal agreements between Canada and other countries.
Key Differences Between LMIA and IMP
| 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 |
What is the Age Limit for the IMP in Canada?
The IMP does not have a strict age limit for applicants. However, specific streams under the IMP, such as International Experience Canada (IEC), set age limits by country — generally 18–30, or up to 35 depending on your country’s youth-mobility agreement with Canada.
How Long Does an IMP Work Permit Take?
Processing times for the IMP can vary depending on:
- Stream: Some streams, such as intra-company transfers, are processed faster.
- Country of Residence: Processing times depend on the workload of the respective visa office.
- Document Completeness: Applications with all required documents are processed more efficiently.
- IMP General Processing Time: These vary by stream and visa office and change frequently — check IRCC’s live processing-time tool for the current estimate. Eligible high-skilled roles (NOC TEER 0 or 1) may qualify for two-week processing under the Global Skills Strategy.
How to Apply for the International Mobility Program?
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Confirm Eligibility:
- Determine the stream you qualify for under the IMP.
- Obtain a Job Offer:
- Your employer must submit an offer through the Employer Portal and pay the $230 employer compliance fee. The fee is waived for open work permits and some LMIA-exempt categories.
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
- Required documents include:
- Passport
- Proof of qualifications (e.g., degree, certifications)
- Employer-provided documentation
- Required documents include:
- Submit Application:
- Apply online via IRCC’s portal. Include all necessary forms and supporting documents.
- Wait for Approval:
- Processing times vary but are typically shorter than those of LMIA-based applications.
- Receive Work Permit:
- Once approved, the work permit will specify the conditions of your employment in Canada.
FAQs About the International Mobility Program
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+)?
IMP+ is a Québec-specific open work permit for skilled workers who hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and are awaiting permanent residence. It can be valid for up to three years and lets you work anywhere in Québec; it is invitation-only and capped at 7,000 people per year. Note: as of 2026, Québec has suspended new IMP+ invitations indefinitely, so confirm the current status before relying on this route.
Is there a faster IMP work-permit option?
Under the Global Skills Strategy, eligible LMIA-exempt jobs in NOC TEER 0 or TEER 1 are targeted for two-week processing when the worker applies from outside Canada and the employer has submitted the offer and paid the $230 compliance fee through the Employer Portal. For high-skilled tech roles, see our Global Talent Stream guide.
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.
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.
What is the difference between IMP and TFWP Canada?
The IMP focuses on worker mobility and reciprocal agreements, whereas the TFWP addresses labour shortages.
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.
Why Choose the IMP for Work in Canada?
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. For a broader look at your options, see our guide on hiring foreign workers in Canada.
Conclusion
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.
About the Author
This guide was written by Rakhmad Sobirov, Managing Lawyer and founder of Sobirovs Law Firm, a boutique Canadian business-immigration practice serving international entrepreneurs, investors and employers. Rakhmad is a member of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO #62387E) and the Canadian Bar Association, and the firm is recognized by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently; confirm current requirements on canada.ca or book a strategy meeting with a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer.
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