International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program (IMP) has been introduced by Canada to hire international workers on a temporary basis without the usage of Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). LMIA is proof that’s presented by the Canadian employer to show that they have been unsuccessful in filling a job locally. Through this program, Canadian employers hire foreign workers by providing them with permanent and temporary work. Thus, candidates can easily apply for an open work permit and eventually apply for permanent residency through various provincial programs.

Stream and Programs Under International Mobility Program

Programs That Do Not Require Submission of LMIA

• The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program: Candidates who have studied at and graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can apply for this program.
• Reciprocal Youth Exchange Agreements: Applicants between the ages of 18 to 30 (35 in some agreements), aiming to travel and work in Canada, can apply for immigration through an exchange agreement, such as International Experience Canada (IEC).

International Free Trade Agreements: Under varied international free trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, also known as USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in July 2020, Canada-Chile FTA, Canada-Peru FTA, Canada-Colombia FTA, Canada-Korea FTA, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and the General Agreement on Trade in Services, an applicant can apply for temporary entry for business purposes.

• The Intra-Company Transfer Program: This program is suitable for applicants who intend to shift to a Canadian branch of the company they currently work for.
• The Bridging Open Work Permit: This work permit program suits candidates who desire to work in Canada and are in the transition phase of becoming permanent residents.
• Circumstances of Social or Cultural Benefit to Canada: This fits candidates who can significantly contribute to Canada. They can apply through the Mobilité Francophone Program.

IRCC update: Starting March 13, 2026, certain workers hired under the International Mobility Program may qualify for an additional LMIA exemption beyond the categories listed above. Employers and candidates should confirm current eligibility directly with IRCC or with a licensed consultant before assuming a given role does or does not require an LMIA, as exemption categories are reviewed and adjusted periodically.

Choosing ImmigCanada is a smart move! While Canada is supportive of immigration, not everyone is eligible for it.