IMP — International Mobility Program (IMP)

Canada•North America

Open

IMP — International Mobility Program (IMP)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

CAD $570

Stay Duration

Varies (Duration varies based on employment contract and work permit issued.)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-based work program not requiring Labour Market Impact Assessment. Includes intra-company transfers, Canadian-linked workers, and other economic benefits. Open or employer-specific permits.

Canada's International Mobility Program (IMP) lets employers hire foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It covers LMIA-exempt roles — intra-company transfers, trade agreement positions (CUSMA, CETA), and work offering significant social or cultural benefit.

Employers submit an offer of employment via the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a CAD 230 compliance fee; workers pay CAD 155 for the work permit plus CAD 85 biometrics. Permits are renewable and tied to the employment contract. Spouses may get restricted work authorization; dual intent is permitted.

This visa is ideal for skilled foreign professionals and intra-company transferees whose roles qualify for an LMIA exemption under a trade agreement or significant benefit category.

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Cost Breakdown

Work permit feeCAD $155

Open work permit holder feeCAD $100

Biometrics feeCAD $85

Employer compliance feeCAD $230

ValidityIndefinite

Processing0 days – 6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

The position must be LMIA-exempt (e.g., trade agreements like CUSMA/CETA, intra-company transfers, or significant benefit).

Employer must submit the offer through the Employer Portal and pay the compliance fee.

Applicant must meet the specific qualifications of the chosen exemption category.

Must not be inadmissible to Canada.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Job offer letter

Offer of employment number

Passport photo

Police certificate

Medical exam

Offer of employment letter (sponsor)

Employer authorization (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required, saving significant time and cost.
Streamlined and faster hiring process compared to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Supports broader economic, cultural, and reciprocal benefits for Canada.
Allows employers to access global talent quickly.

Worth Knowing

Employer must remain compliant with program conditions; non-compliance can lead to penalties.
The work permit is often employer-specific (tied to the job offer).
Requires careful selection of the correct exemption code to avoid application rejection.
Processing times vary by stream and applicant location.

Application Process

Employer assesses category

Employer determines IMP category qualification (ICT, student, etc.)

Employer submits offer

Employer submits employment offer through IRCC Employer Portal

Receive offer number

Employer receives 7-digit offer of employment number

Worker applies for permit

Worker applies for IMP work permit with offer number

Gather documents

Collect passport, job offer letter, and supporting documents

Create account

Set up IRCC online account

Complete application

Submit IMP work permit application

Pay fee

Pay CAD $155 work permit fee plus CAD $85 biometric fee

Biometrics

Provide fingerprints and photograph

Receive decision

Work permit approval in account

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Application for Work Permit - IMP	—
IMM 1295 Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada	Fill online

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