If you are exploring ways to work in Canada, you may have come across the International Mobility Program Canada. But what exactly is IMP, and how is it different from an LMIA-based work permit?

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a framework that allows Canadian employers to hire eligible foreign nationals without an LMIA in specific situations where the worker’s presence provides broader economic, cultural, social, or reciprocal benefits to Canada.

Importantly, IMP is a temporary work permit framework, not a direct permanent residence program.

How Is IMP Different From an LMIA?

Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), employers generally need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker is justified based on labour-market considerations.

Many IMP work permits are LMIA-exempt.

However, LMIA-exempt does not mean “no requirements.” Depending on the category, the employer may need to:

• Submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal
• Pay the employer compliance fee, where applicable
• Follow Canadian employment standards
• Meet the specific requirements of the work permit category

Main Categories Under the International Mobility Program

IMP covers several different LMIA-exempt situations. Some of the commonly encountered categories include:

1. Intra-Company Transfers

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) category can allow eligible employees of multinational companies to transfer to a related Canadian business.

Applicants generally need qualifying experience with the foreign company and must meet the requirements for roles such as:

• Executives
• Senior managers
• Specialized-knowledge workers

The Canadian and foreign businesses must also have a qualifying corporate relationship.

2. Post-Graduation Work Permit

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates of Canadian institutions to gain Canadian work experience.

A PGWP is an open work permit, meaning eligible holders are generally not restricted to one employer.

However, PGWP eligibility and duration depend on current IRCC rules, including the program, institution, study duration, and other requirements.

3. International Agreements

Canada has several international agreements that can provide LMIA exemptions for eligible foreign nationals.

One example is CUSMA, which applies to eligible citizens of Canada, the United States, and Mexico under specific categories.

Eligibility depends on the agreement and the applicant’s circumstances.

4. Significant Benefit

Some LMIA-exempt work permits are available where an applicant’s work is expected to provide a significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada.

This can include certain highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and other individuals whose work meets the applicable requirements.

Approval depends on the evidence provided and an officer’s assessment.

5. Open Work Permits

Some open work permits are also issued under LMIA-exempt frameworks.

Examples can include:

• PGWP
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• Certain spousal open work permits

A BOWP can allow eligible permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while their PR application is being processed.

Does the International Mobility Program Lead to PR?

IMP itself does not provide permanent residence.

However, eligible Canadian work experience gained through an authorized work permit may support certain permanent residence pathways.

For example, a worker may:

Work in Canada → Gain eligible skilled experience → Meet program requirements → Enter Express Entry or another applicable PR pathway

Canadian work experience may be relevant to programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), provided the applicant meets all eligibility requirements.

Who Can Consider IMP?

IMP may be relevant to:

• Employees being transferred to a Canadian company
• Eligible international graduates
• Professionals covered by international agreements
• Certain entrepreneurs and specialized professionals
• Foreign workers eligible for other LMIA-exempt categories

The correct category depends entirely on the applicant’s circumstances.

Important: IMP Does Not Mean Automatic Approval

An LMIA exemption does not guarantee a work permit.

Applicants must still meet the requirements of their specific category and comply with Canadian immigration rules. Employers may also have compliance obligations.

Providing false information or using fraudulent documents can have serious immigration consequences.

Final Takeaway

The International Mobility Program Canada framework provides several ways for eligible foreign nationals to work in Canada without going through the LMIA process.

However, IMP is not a shortcut to PR. Your eligibility depends on the specific LMIA-exempt category, your qualifications, work experience, employer, and immigration circumstances.

If you are considering working in Canada and eventually exploring Canada PR, Providus Immigration can help you understand the available pathways and determine which options may fit your profile.