The International Mobility Program (IMP) advances Canada’s broad economic and cultural national interest by providing competitive advantages to Canada and reciprocal benefits abroad for Canadians.
The IMP issues work permits that are exempted from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Workers under this group still require a work permit but they do not require LMIA, and in some specified occupations, they may not require both LMIA and a work permit.
Agreements
International Mobility Program Work Permit
This includes all streams of work permits pursuant to exemption from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the International Mobility Program (IMP). They include:
Airline Personnel, Fulbright Program between Canada and the U.S, International Air Transport Association (IATA), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
This includes all streams of work permits pursuant to exemption from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the International Mobility Program (IMP). They include:
Intra-Company Transfers, Interns with International Organizations recognized under the foreign missions and international organization act, Intra-Company Transfer.
International Experience Canada (IEC), Coaches and Athletes.
Special Initiatives and Pilot projects Work Permits
International Mobility Program Work Permit
This includes all streams of work permits pursuant to exemption from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the International Mobility Program (IMP). They include:
Open work permit for applicants under the Interim Pathway for Caregivers, permanent residence applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in-Canada class
Refugee claimants and persons under an unenforceable removal order.
Competitiveness and public policy exemption
Spouses or Common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers, foreign full-time students, Bridge Open Work Permit (BOWP) holders, medical residents and fellows etc.
Humanitarian Reason
Destitute Students, Temporary Resident Permit holders with up to 6 months validity.
Spouses or Common law partners of
Skilled workers, foreign students, Bridge Open Work Permit (BOWP) holders, etc.
Numerous other open work permit under LMIA exemption category
Business visitor, Performing artist.
Diplomat, Visiting member of foreign armed forces,
Clergy, Member of a crew
Numerous others
Authorization to Work Without a Permit
This is when a foreign worker is authorized to work without a permit or LMIA requirement. Generally, most activities under this category are temporary, limited and deemed not to be in direct competition to the activities of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the labour market. These activities include, but are not limited to:
INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM (IMP)
The International Mobility Program (IMP) advances Canada’s broad economic and cultural national interest by providing competitive advantages to Canada and reciprocal benefits abroad for Canadians.
The IMP issues work permits that are exempted from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Workers under this group still require a work permit but they do not require LMIA, and in some specified occupations, they may not require both LMIA and a work permit.
Agreements
International Mobility Program Work Permit
This includes all streams of work permits pursuant to exemption from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the International Mobility Program (IMP). They include:
International Free Trade Agreement
CUSMA / USMCA / T-MEC [Formerly known as North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)], GATS, CETA, CCFTA, CPFTA.
Canada-International Non-Trade Agreement
Airline Personnel, Fulbright Program between Canada and the U.S, International Air Transport Association (IATA), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NAFTA
(Now CUMSA / USMCA / T-MEC)
Canadian Interests
International Mobility Program Work Permit
This includes all streams of work permits pursuant to exemption from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the International Mobility Program (IMP). They include:
Significant Benefit
Intra-Company Transfers, Interns with International Organizations recognized under the foreign missions and international organization act, Intra-Company Transfer.
Designated by the Minister
Educational, Research or Training Program Related Work.
Reciprocal Employment
International Experience Canada (IEC), Coaches and Athletes.
Special Initiatives and Pilot projects Work Permits
International Mobility Program Work Permit
This includes all streams of work permits pursuant to exemption from the requirement of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the International Mobility Program (IMP). They include:
Atlantic Provinces
Atlantic Immigration Program Work Permits
Provincial and Territorial Pilot Projects
Yukon Community Pilot Program Work Permits
Federal pilot projects
Open work permit for applicants under the Interim Pathway for Caregivers, permanent residence applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in-Canada class
Restricted and Unrestricted
Open Work Permits
In-Canada Permanent Resident (PR) applicants
Express Entry Immigrants – FSW, CEC, FST & PNP Post-Graduation Work Permits – (PGWP)
Vulnerable workers
No other means of support
Refugee claimants and persons under an unenforceable removal order.
Competitiveness and public policy exemption
Spouses or Common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers, foreign full-time students, Bridge Open Work Permit (BOWP) holders, medical residents and fellows etc.
Humanitarian Reason
Destitute Students, Temporary Resident Permit holders with up to 6 months validity.
Spouses or Common law partners of
Skilled workers, foreign students, Bridge Open Work Permit (BOWP) holders, etc.
Numerous other open work permit under LMIA exemption category
Business visitor, Performing artist.
Diplomat, Visiting member of foreign armed forces,
Clergy, Member of a crew
Numerous others
Authorization to Work Without a Permit
This is when a foreign worker is authorized to work without a permit or LMIA requirement. Generally, most activities under this category are temporary, limited and deemed not to be in direct competition to the activities of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the labour market. These activities include, but are not limited to: