International Mobility Program Work Permits

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is an exemption program for Canadian employers to hire foreign national workers. It removes the requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is typically needed to prove a Canadian worker cannot fill the role. The program is designed to benefit Canada by attracting skilled foreign workers in specific categories.

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a mandatory process for most Canadian employers who want to hire foreign workers. It means the employer needs to prove they can't find a qualified Canadian worker for the position. This process is intended to protect Canadian jobs.

Under the IMP, there are various work permit categories based on the type of work, the worker's expertise, or the employer's goals. Each category has specific requirements that the foreign national needs to meet.

If you are a US citizen or have an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), you can apply for your work permit at the Canadian border. No application form is needed, but you must prove you meet the requirements for the category.

If you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), you must submit your work permit application online. Complete all required application forms and supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility.

Before the foreign worker applies for their work permit, the Canadian employer needs to register the job offer with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the employer portal. A file number is generated, and this number is required for the foreign worker's application.

The representative, who is typically a lawyer or immigration consultant, compiles the work permit application for submission. The representative ensures that the worker meets all the requirements of the chosen work permit category.

The employer must conduct a thorough search to find suitable local candidates before applying for an LMIA. This search needs to follow specific rules and procedures. If a local candidate is not found, the employer can then submit the LMIA application for determination.