Canada’s marine industry is getting a powerful boost. On July 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new updates under the International Mobility Program (IMP) that directly affect marine transportation workers.
This move brings Canada in line with international maritime standards while helping fill labour shortages and ensure stronger protections for foreign seafarers, ship officers, and maritime professionals.
Whether you’re a seasoned deck officer, engine room specialist, or crew member seeking shore leave, these changes could make working in Canada’s ports smoother, safer, and quicker.
Streamlined Work Permits for Marine Transportation Workers
One of the key updates is a more flexible work permit system for seafarers recognized as “key workers” under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006).
Here’s what this means:
- Seafarers now qualify for open work permits under the C61 category of the IMP.
- They benefit from faster entry for short-term assignments or transit, with reduced paperwork.
- These workers are also guaranteed visa-free shore leave and priority repatriation, based on the April 2025 ILO reaffirmation.
To qualify, seafarers must hold certifications aligned with STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)—a globally recognized standard for maritime training and conduct. This update addresses a long-standing challenge in Canada’s maritime industry: getting skilled foreign workers to port quickly without delays caused by traditional visa processes.
Compliance Requirements for Employers: What’s Changing?
IRCC isn’t just focused on speeding up the process for workers—it’s also ensuring employer accountability.
New employer obligations include:
- Submitting Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs) with work permit applications.
- Demonstrating compliance with MLC, 2006 rules around:
- Fair wages
- Adequate living conditions
- Access to healthcare
- Adhering to the upcoming Marine Safety Management System Regulations, expected mid-2025, issued by Transport Canada.
These updates are part of a broader effort to prevent worker exploitation, particularly for those aboard foreign-flagged vessels operating in Canadian waters.
For employers, it’s no longer enough to offer jobs—proof of ethical labour practices is now essential.
Gender Equality and Maritime Inclusion
Canada is also tackling gender gaps in marine transportation.
Following a 2024 IMO workshop hosted by Canada on increasing female participation in the industry, IRCC has introduced new incentives under the IMP:
- Priority processing for women and professionals from underrepresented groups.
- Added support for inclusion efforts tied to Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan and the IMO Gender Equality Network (IMOGen).
This move not only promotes diversity but opens new doors for skilled female workers in a male-dominated field.
Opportunities and Hurdles Ahead
While the changes are largely positive, there are practical challenges:
- Small shipping companies may find it difficult to handle the documentation and compliance requirements.
- Remote workers might face issues with IRCC’s digital-first processing systems.
- The transition to low-carbon technologies—part of Canada’s climate goals—may require additional training for workers unfamiliar with eco-friendly fuel systems.
Despite these hurdles, the reform is a major step toward making Canada’s ports more inclusive, efficient, and globally competitive.IRCC’s Key Updates for Marine Transportation Workers under International Mobility Program
| Category | Update |
| Work Permit Stream | Open work permits under C61 IMP category |
| International Designation | Recognized as “key workers” under MLC, 2006 |
| Priority Features | Visa-free shore leave, expedited repatriation |
| Compliance Requirements (Employers) | Proof of fair wages, medical care, housing; SEAs now mandatory |
| Inclusion Focus | Fast-tracked applications for women and underrepresented groups |
| Environmental Focus | Preference for workers trained in low-carbon marine technologies |
Marine Transportation Workers Gain Smoother Entry to Canada
These IRCC updates mark a shift in how Canada welcomes marine transportation workers, with an emphasis on fairness, speed, and industry standards. The use of the International Mobility Program (IMP) not only improves the application process but also brings real benefits for both workers and the Canadian economy. If you’re a maritime professional or employer in the shipping industry, now is the time to align with these new rules and make the most of Canada’s open door to marine talent.
Leave a Reply