The International Mobility Program (IMP) is an immigration initiative that helps Canadian employers hire foreign workers to meet specific economic and labor demands. This program permits employers to bring in temporary foreign workers without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), providing more flexible hiring options.
The Canadian government is dedicated to ensuring that all foreign workers receive the same workplace protections as their Canadian peers. This commitment includes enforcing minimum wage laws and offering better incentives to employers who choose to hire foreign workers. Additionally, Canada is investing in training programs for both temporary and permanent foreign workers, enabling them to contribute effectively to their communities.
Several provinces offer educational and training opportunities aimed at improving job prospects for immigrants and permanent residents. Organizations like employment centers, community colleges, and immigrant settlement agencies provide vital resources, including networking opportunities and job search support. These efforts help immigrants secure career-level jobs with fair wages. Through these measures, Canada aims to ensure that new arrivals can fully integrate and thrive in the economy.
The IMP also extends visa exemptions for temporary foreign workers who do not need a work permit, thereby creating more opportunities for highly-skilled immigrants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers detailed information on the process and requirements for the IMP, tailored to a foreign candidate’s country of origin.
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
An LMIA is a document that proves a Canadian employer has tried to fill a job locally but was unable to find a suitable candidate, thus permitting the hiring of a foreign worker.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) by Immigration to Canada is a broad initiative aimed at facilitating foreign nationals’ entry into the country for work purposes. The objective of IMP is to support Canada’s economic and cultural goals by incorporating various programs designed to attract international talent, foster cultural exchange, and stimulate international trade. A common question that arises is: what does the IMP encompass? The answer is complex, as the Canada International Mobility Program includes a wide array of programs, each offering distinct benefits and eligibility criteria.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
An integral part of the IMP Canada program is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This initiative targets international students who have successfully completed academic programs at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The PGWP allows these graduates to gain valuable work experience in Canada, which can serve as a crucial step toward permanent residency.
Reciprocal Youth Exchange Agreements
Another significant element of the IMP is the Reciprocal Youth Exchange Agreements. These agreements enable young individuals from various countries to travel and work in Canada, thereby enhancing their cultural understanding and professional skills. This program provides young people with the opportunity to experience life in Canada and contribute to its diverse cultural landscape. Learn more about Canada’s leading exchange programs.
International Free Trade Agreements
Under the IMP, International Free Trade Agreements play a crucial role in facilitating international mobility. These agreements typically include provisions that allow business persons from free trade agreement partner countries to enter Canada temporarily. This aspect is vital for promoting international trade and investment.
Intra-Company Transfer Program
Immigration to Canada offers the Intra-Company Transfer Program, designed for multinational corporations. This program allows international businesses with a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada to temporarily move skilled employees to Canada. The objective is to enhance management efficiency, boost Canadian exports, and improve competitiveness in global markets.
The Bridging Open Work Permit
The Bridging Open Work Permit is an excellent chance for foreign nationals living in Canada who have applied for permanent residency and are awaiting a decision. This permit allows them to continue working in Canada while their residency applications are processed.
Circumstances of Social or Cultural Benefit to Canada
Immigration to Canada understands the importance of admitting foreign nationals who can provide significant social or cultural benefits. This includes high-profile individuals or groups whose presence can offer substantial advantages to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The Canada International Mobility Program
The Canada International Mobility Program by Immigration to Canada is a comprehensive framework that significantly enriches Canada’s socio-economic environment. It promotes educational and youth exchanges, supports international trade, and brings cultural benefits, acting as a vital element in elevating Canada’s global presence.
Immigration to Canada helps Canadian employers navigate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which consists of various streams, each catering to specific hiring needs. Each stream has its own set of requirements to fulfill for obtaining a successful Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
The TFWP streams are segmented based on the wages offered to foreign workers—whether above or below the Canadian average—and the skill level as per the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, categorized into high-skilled or low-skilled workers. Here’s a breakdown of the seven distinct TFWP streams.
High Wage Worker Stream
Employers intending to employ temporary foreign workers with wages at or above the median hourly rate of their province or territory need to apply through the High Wage Worker stream. To be granted an LMIA, employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position.
After receiving a positive LMIA for a high-wage skilled job, employers must forward a copy of the LMIA to the foreign worker. This document is crucial for the worker’s application for a Canadian work permit or, in some cases, permanent residency if they meet the eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that LMIA documents are valid for only six months, so foreign workers should apply for their work permits promptly.
At Immigration to Canada, we ensure every step of the process aligns with the latest guidelines and requirements, helping both employers and foreign workers achieve their goals efficiently.
Low Wage Worker Stream
At Immigration to Canada, we understand the complexities of hiring low-wage workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Employers who offer an hourly wage below their province or territory’s median must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application, proving they couldn’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position.
Employers must also comply with extra requirements to protect the rights and safety of low-wage international workers. After receiving a positive LMIA for a low-wage role, employers should provide the worker with a copy of the LMIA. This document allows the worker to apply for a Canadian work permit or permanent residency, subject to eligibility. Note that the LMIA is valid for six months from the issuance date.
Agriculture Worker Stream
Canada’s agricultural industry often faces a high demand for labor, particularly during peak seasons. To address this, employers can use one of two agricultural streams to expedite the hiring process. To qualify, employers must be involved in sectors listed on Canada’s national commodity list and ensure that their activities fall under specific National Occupational Classification codes: 0821, 0822, 8252, 8255, 8431, 8432, and 8611.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
Canada has bilateral agreements with certain countries, enabling employers to hire agricultural workers for up to eight months during peak farming periods. Eligible workers must be citizens of Mexico or Caribbean nations like Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Employers that meet SAWP requirements can apply for an LMIA, facilitating the hiring of experienced agricultural workers who meet Canadian work standards.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is designed to help qualified Canadian employers recruit highly-skilled international workers under two specific categories. Category A caters to employers referred by designated GTS partners who need highly-specialized talent. Category B serves employers looking to hire professionals listed on the GTS Occupations List. The GTS streamlines the hiring process by eliminating the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which traditionally requires employers to demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents first. Moreover, GTS work permit applications typically get processed within approximately 10 business days.
Home Care Provider Stream
Families in need of a foreign caregiver to provide in-home care to children, seniors, or individuals with medical needs can utilize the Home Care Provider Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This stream allows families to hire temporary foreign workers, given the positions align with specific criteria:
Caregivers for Children: Positions such as nannies, au-pairs, and babysitters fall under this category, catering to children under 18. These roles must meet the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code 44100 for home child-care providers.
Caregivers for People with High Medical Needs: Roles like family caregivers, housekeepers, and personal aides fall under this category, assisting seniors or individuals with disabilities. These positions must align with NOC 44101 for home support workers and caregivers. Families need to follow the same application process as the high-wage and low-wage streams and must demonstrate they have a dependent family member requiring care and the financial means to support the caregiver’s salary.
Note: Families employing in-home caregivers for seniors or individuals with disabilities are exempt from the LMIA application fee. Similarly, those hiring caregivers for children will be exempt from this fee if their gross annual income is below CAD 150,000.
Foreign Academics
Canadian universities, degree-granting colleges, and academic unions greatly benefit from hiring foreign academics who fill high-demand positions and contribute fresh knowledge and expertise to campuses. Employers must adhere to the same application procedures as those hiring through the high-wage stream. In many instances, foreign nationals recruited for research roles in post-secondary institutions might not require an LMIA or a work permit.
Immigration to Canada helps facilitate the process for foreign workers looking to apply through the International Mobility Program (IMP). To qualify for an IMP open work permit, ensure you meet the following conditions:
If you meet these conditions, you may also be eligible for provincial immigration programs, especially if you maintain employment in your Canadian job over a specified period. Note that additional conditions, like language proficiency, may be required by local governments before granting permanent residency. Each province has its unique set of requirements.
Want to work in Canada? Begin your journey with Immigration to Canada by following simple steps through the International Mobility Program.
Step 1: Receive a Job Offer
Start with your potential Canadian employer:
If you already hold an open work permit, your employer is not required to submit a job offer or pay the compliance fee. This makes the application more streamlined and faster.
Step 2: Apply for a Work Permit
Once the job offer is submitted, you can proceed with your work permit application. Use your employer’s offer number to complete the application. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive:
Important Information
A work permit alone won’t allow you entry into Canada. If coming from another country, ensure you have a Visitor’s Visa (Travel Visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa).
You may also need to provide a medical certificate proving your good health. Failure to do so can result in being denied entry into Canada due to medical reasons.
Step 3: Get Ready for Your New Job in Canada
Embrace the Canadian adventure with Immigration to Canada! With all your permits and visas in hand, you’re set to dive into everything this country has to offer. Whether it’s the vibrant city life in Toronto and Vancouver or exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Banff and Jasper, Canada is brimming with exciting opportunities.
Envision meeting people from diverse backgrounds, sampling new cuisines, and experiencing a different way of life. It’s your chance to start fresh, try new activities, and discover new horizons. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare for an incredible journey in Canada!
To maximize your chances of securing a job in Canada through the International Mobility Program (IMP), consider enlisting the expertise of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). A skilled RCIC will meticulously review your documents and application materials to ensure they are current and complete, and they’ll develop a strategic plan to support your move to Canada.
RCICs will also assist in finding job opportunities and preparing you to meet job requirements. They’ll evaluate your experience and qualifications to help you present your strengths effectively to potential employers.
Have you always wanted to work in Canada but felt overwhelmed by the immigration process? Don’t stress. At Immigration to Canada, our experienced RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) have guided many individuals like you through their journey to Canada. Choosing the right program or visa for your specific needs is crucial for a successful application.
This is where our RCICs can truly make a difference. Regulated by the Canadian government, they possess deep knowledge of various immigration programs. More importantly, they provide unwavering support throughout the entire application process, significantly improving your chances of obtaining a Canadian visa. Our team will assist you every step of the way, from securing an ideal job in Canada and connecting with potential employers to overcoming language challenges and finding comfortable housing.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The program is designed to advance Canada's broad economic and cultural interests by facilitating the arrival of workers who can contribute to these areas through international agreements, youth exchange programs, and other initiatives.
Eligibility for the IMP includes individuals who are part of reciprocal employment agreements, such as international agreements (e.g., NAFTA), intra-company transferees, academics, and those participating in youth exchange programs. Additionally, individuals who can significantly contribute to Canada's cultural or social fabric may also qualify.
To apply for the IMP, you need to provide proof of citizenship, a job offer from a Canadian employer, documentation proving your qualifications for the job, and potentially proof of previous work experience. Applications can be submitted online or through a visa office.
The IMP covers several types of work permits, including but not limited to, youth exchange program permits, intra-company transferee permits, permits for participants under international agreements (such as NAFTA), and work permits for spouses of high-skilled workers and international students.
The duration of a work permit under the IMP depends on the specific type of permit and the conditions of the job offer. Typically, such permits are valid for one to three years, but they can be extended if the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
Yes, family members can accompany the IMP applicant to Canada. Spouses and common-law partners may apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada. Dependent children are also allowed to attend schools in Canada.
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