International Mobility Program

International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian firms to hire temporary overseas workers without first conducting a labour market impact assessment (LMIA). While an LMIA is normally necessary for a Canadian firm to engage a temporary foreign worker, there are a few exceptions.

An LMIA-exemption is a situation in which a Canadian employer is not required to obtain an LMIA in order to recruit a temporary foreign worker. ESDC, in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), keeps an index of LMIA exemptions established under the International Mobility Program.
These LMIA exemptions are based on two criteria:
- greater economic, cultural, or other competitive advantages for Canada, and
- reciprocal benefits enjoyed by Canadians and permanent residents.

A Canadian employer must complete three procedures in order to hire a foreign worker through the IMP:
- Confirm that the position or person in question is eligible for an LMIA exemption;
- Pay the $230 CAD employer compliance fee;
- Submit the official job offer via the IMP's Employer Portal.
Only when these three processes have been completed will the foreign national be eligible to apply for their own work permit. If their position is NOC Skill Level A or 0 and they are applying from outside of Canada, LMIA-exempt workers may be eligible for accelerated work permit processing through the Global Skills Strategy.

Canadian Interest Exemptions

Another prominent type of LMIA exemption falls under the umbrella of Canadian Interest exemptions. LMIA-exemptions in this category must establish that the exemption is in Canada's best interests, either by providing considerable benefits to Canadians or by maintaining reciprocal employment links with other countries.
To qualify for an LMIA-exemption under the category of significant benefit to Canadians, a foreign national's employment must demonstrate significant social or cultural benefit to Canada. In general, immigration officers will consider a foreign national's previous track record of success, as well as the testimony and recommendations of recognised specialists in the field of foreign nationals, to determine considerable advantage.

Intra-Company Transferees

Another way to secure LMIA-exemption for major benefits is to provide LMIA-exemptions to intra-company transferees. Certain corporations may use this provision to relocate a foreign national to a Canadian site in order to improve the quality of their operations for the benefit of Canadians.

Additional LMIA-Exemptions

While the bulk of LMIA exclusions are given as a result of international agreements or Canadian interest, there are a number of exemptions that fall outside of these categories. LMIA exemptions are allowed in rare circumstances for humanitarian and compassionate reasons. In addition, certain Canadian permanent residents may be qualified to apply for LMIA-exempt work permits.