international-mobility-program🇨🇦 Canada
International Mobility Program (IMP): Complete Guide
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What Is the International Mobility Program?
The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA. Instead, the employer must demonstrate that hiring the foreign worker brings significant benefits to Canada — economically, culturally, or competitively.
How IMP Differs from LMIA
| Feature | IMP (LMIA-Exempt) | LMIA-Based |
|---|---|---|
| LMIA required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Employer fee | $230 (compliance fee) | $1,000 (LMIA fee) |
| Processing | Faster | Slower |
| Justification | Significant benefit to Canada | No Canadian available |
| Job offer | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
LMIA Exemption Categories
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| International agreements | Trade agreements, bilateral arrangements | CUSMA/NAFTA, CETA, CPTPP |
| Canadian interests | Significant economic, social, or cultural benefit | Intra-company transfers, entrepreneurs |
| Reciprocal employment | Mutual agreements between countries | IEC (Working Holiday), academic exchanges |
| Charitable/religious | Non-profit or religious work | Charitable workers |
Common IMP Work Permits
Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Employee of a multinational company transferring to a Canadian branch |
| Position types | Executives, senior managers, or specialized knowledge workers |
| Duration | Up to 3 years (specialized knowledge), 7 years (executives/managers) |
| Relationship | Parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate |
CUSMA/NAFTA Professionals
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | US or Mexican citizen |
| Occupation | Must be on the CUSMA professional list (~60 occupations) |
| Qualifications | Must meet the education/licensing requirements |
| Duration | Up to 3 years, renewable |
CETA (EU Professionals)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | EU member state citizen |
| Occupation | On the CETA professional list |
| Duration | Varies |
Employer Compliance
| Obligation | Details |
|---|---|
| Compliance fee | $230 per worker |
| Offer of employment | Submit through the IRCC Employer Portal |
| Working conditions | Must match the offer |
| Record keeping | Maintain records for 6 years |
| Inspections | Subject to IRCC compliance inspections |
Processing Times
| Type | Typical Processing |
|---|---|
| ICT | 2–8 weeks |
| CUSMA | At port of entry (same day) or 2–4 weeks |
| CETA | 2–8 weeks |
| General IMP | 2–8 weeks |
Tips
- IMP is faster and cheaper — no LMIA required, lower fees
- Intra-company transfers are powerful — for multinational employees
- CUSMA at port of entry — US/Mexican professionals can get permits at the border
- Significant benefit — the employer must articulate the benefit clearly
- Compliance is mandatory — employers face penalties for non-compliance
- Consult a lawyer — IMP exemption categories are complex
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