The International Mobility Program (IMP) in Canada is a framework designed to facilitate the entry of foreign workers into the Canadian labor market. It allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without the need for a Labor Market
Impact Assessment (LMIA) in certain situations where there is a benefit to Canada.
– Provide broad economic, cultural or other competitive advantages for Canada, and
– Provide reciprocal benefits for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
1- Those entering Canada as part of trade treaties, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
2- Those entering Canada on an open work permit.
3- Those entering Canada as intra-company transferees.
1- Confirm the position or worker in question qualifies for an LMIA-exemption;
2- Pay the employer compliance fee of $230 CAD;
3- Submit the official job offer through the IMP’s Employer Portal.
Only after completing these three steps will the foreign national be eligible to apply for their own work permit. LMIA-exempt workers may qualify for expedited work permit processing through the Global Skills Strategy if their position is NOC Skill Level A or 0 and they are applying from outside of Canada.
The IMP is primarily administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Other federal government departments involved in the IMP include the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
IMP is separate from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which is primarily administered by ESDC with help from IRCC and CBSA.
The IRCC runs the International Mobility Program Unit specifically for companies looking to hire using the program.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) are both programs administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Canada. While they share similarities, there are key differences between the two programs:
TFWP: Under the TFWP, most employers are required to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a foreign worker. An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. The employer must demonstrate that there are no Canadians or permanent residents available to fill the job position.
IMP: The IMP, on the other hand, includes categories of foreign workers who are exempt from the LMIA requirement. In these cases, the employer does not need to obtain an LMIA to hire a foreign worker. Instead, the foreign worker may be eligible to work in Canada under specific categories where an LMIA is not required.
TFWP: The TFWP includes various streams and categories, such as the High-Wage Stream, Low-Wage Stream, Agricultural Stream, and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), among others. Each stream has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
IMP: The IMP also includes various categories of foreign workers who are exempt from the LMIA requirement. These categories may include intra-company transfers, significant economic benefits, reciprocal employment, and more. The eligibility criteria for the IMP can vary depending on the specific category under which the foreign worker is applying.
TFWP: The processing times for LMIA applications under the TFWP can vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the complexity of the case. Employers are typically required to obtain a positive LMIA before the foreign worker can apply for a work permit.
IMP: The processing times for work permit applications under the IMP can also vary depending on factors such as the specific category under which the foreign worker is applying and changes in immigration policies. In some cases, work permits under the IMP may be processed more quickly compared to the TFWP.
TFWP: Work permits issued under the TFWP are typically tied to the specific employer and job offer for a specified duration, often based on the length of the employment contract.
IMP: Work permits issued under the IMP may also be temporary but can vary in duration depending on the specific category and circumstances of the foreign worker. In some cases, work permits under the IMP may allow for greater flexibility in terms of mobility between employers or job positions.
Overall, while both the TFWP and the IMP facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Canada, the main difference lies in the requirement for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The TFWP requires most employers to obtain an LMIA, while the IMP includes categories of foreign workers who are exempt from this requirement.
