International Mobility Program (IMP): Complete Guide to LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in 2026
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a suite of work permit categories that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without requiring their employers to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which focuses on filling labor shortages, the IMP recognizes that certain workers provide broader economic, cultural, or competitive advantages to Canada. IMP work permits facilitate international business relationships, support Canadian competitiveness, and promote cultural exchange.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the International Mobility Program in 2026, including all major IMP categories, LMIA exemption codes, eligibility requirements, application processes, employer compliance obligations, spousal work permits, pathways to permanent residence, and strategic approaches for employers and workers navigating Canada's work permit system.
Need an LMIA-exempt work permit? Get a free assessment to determine which IMP category applies to your situation.
What is the International Mobility Program?
The International Mobility Program encompasses work permit categories where employers are exempt from obtaining Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). While the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requires employers to prove hiring foreign workers won't negatively impact the Canadian labor market, IMP recognizes that certain workers provide significant benefits justifying LMIA exemptions.
Key Benefits of IMP Work Permits
- No LMIA Required: Saves employers time, costs (LMIA fees around CAD $1,000), and administrative burden
- Faster Processing: Without LMIA requirements, applications typically process faster
- Broader Eligibility: Many categories don't require specific job offers or qualifications
- Open Work Permits: Some IMP categories provide open work permits allowing work for any employer
- Reciprocal Benefits: Many categories based on international agreements benefiting Canadians abroad
- Cultural Exchange: Facilitates international experience and skill development
IMP vs. TFWP Comparison
- LMIA: IMP doesn't require LMIA; TFWP does
- Purpose: IMP focuses on broader economic/cultural benefits; TFWP fills specific labor shortages
- Processing: IMP generally faster without LMIA processing time
- Employer Costs: IMP lower (no LMIA fee); TFWP higher
- Work Permit Types: IMP includes both employer-specific and open permits; TFWP primarily employer-specific
Major IMP Categories and LMIA Exemption Codes
The IMP includes numerous categories, each with specific LMIA exemption codes. Understanding which category applies to your situation is crucial for successful applications.
International Agreements (C10-C21)
Work permits based on international free trade agreements between Canada and other countries.
- C10 - CUSMA/USMCA Professionals: US and Mexican citizens in professional occupations under Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
- C11 - CUSMA Traders and Investors: US and Mexican traders and investors
- C12 - CUSMA Intra-Company Transferees: Intra-company transfers under CUSMA
- C16 - CETA Professionals: EU citizens under Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
- C20 - General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS): Various service providers under GATS
Canadian Interests (C30-C49)
Categories based on significant benefits to Canada's economic, social, or cultural interests.
- C30 - Competitiveness and Public Policy: Workers whose employment provides significant competitive advantage to Canada
- C31 - International Experience Canada: Youth mobility programs for cultural exchange
- C32 - Provincial Nominees with Job Offers: Provincial nominee certificate holders with job offers
- C41 - Charitable or Religious Work: Clergy and religious workers
- C42 - Spouses of Skilled Workers: Open work permits for spouses/partners of certain work permit holders
- C43 - Post-Graduation Work Permit: PGWP for international graduates
- C44 - Bridging Open Work Permit: For permanent residence applicants awaiting decisions
Intra-Company Transfers (C12, C61-C63)
- C12 - CUSMA Intra-Company Transfers: Under CUSMA agreement
- C61 - General Intra-Company Transferees: Non-CUSMA intra-company transfers
- C62 - Francophone Mobility: French-speaking workers outside Quebec
- C63 - Atlantic Immigration Program: Designated employers in Atlantic provinces
Reciprocal Employment (C20-C24)
- C21 - Reciprocal Employment: Citizens of countries with reciprocal employment agreements
- C22 - Provincial/Territorial Nominees (Express Entry): Provincial nominees in Express Entry system
- C23 - Mobilité Francophone: French-speaking workers in francophone communities outside Quebec
Open Work Permits Under IMP
Several IMP categories provide open work permits, allowing holders to work for any employer in Canada without job-specific restrictions.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (C43)
International students who graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions can obtain Post-Graduation Work Permits allowing work for any employer.
Key features:
- Open work permit valid up to 3 years depending on program length
- Work for any employer in any occupation
- No job offer required
- Excellent pathway to permanent residence through Canadian work experience
Spousal Open Work Permits (C42, C47)
Spouses and common-law partners of certain work permit holders or study permit holders can obtain open work permits.
Eligible sponsors include:
- Skilled workers (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) with valid work permits
- International students in post-secondary programs
- Post-Graduation Work Permit holders
Bridging Open Work Permit (C44)
Temporary residents who applied for permanent residence can obtain bridging open work permits while awaiting PR decisions, allowing them to continue working legally.
Requirements:
- Submitted permanent residence application
- Currently in Canada
- Hold valid work permit or applied for extension before expiry
- Passed medical exam and eligibility review
International Experience Canada (C31)
Youth mobility programs for young people from partner countries, offering open work permits for cultural exchange and work experience.
Three streams:
- Working Holiday: Open work permits for travel and work
- Young Professionals: Employer-specific permits for career development
- International Co-op: Work permits for students completing internships
Employer-Specific IMP Categories
Intra-Company Transfers (C12, C61)
Multinational companies can transfer executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers from foreign offices to Canadian operations without LMIAs.
For detailed information, see our comprehensive Intra-Company Transfer guide.
CUSMA/USMCA Professionals (C10)
US and Mexican citizens working in specific professional occupations can obtain work permits under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (formerly NAFTA).
Requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be US or Mexican citizen
- Profession: Work in occupation listed in CUSMA Appendix 1603.D.1
- Qualifications: Meet minimum educational and licensing requirements for profession
- Job Offer: Have job offer from Canadian employer
Common CUSMA professions include accountants, engineers, architects, scientists, teachers, and various other professional occupations.
Significant Benefit (C30)
The Significant Benefit category (C30) is a flexible category for workers whose employment provides significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada.
Common uses:
- Emergency repairs and installations
- After-sales service providers
- Essential staff for time-limited events
- Workers facilitating Canadian export sales
- Intra-corporate training
- Other situations providing competitive advantage to Canada
Applications must demonstrate clear significant benefit that wouldn't be available from hiring Canadian workers.
Provincial Nominee Work Permits (C32, C22)
Workers with provincial nominee certificates can obtain work permits while permanent residence applications process.
- C32: Provincial nominees with job offers (non-Express Entry)
- C22: Provincial nominees in Express Entry system
IMP Application Process
Step 1: Determine Applicable Category
Identify which IMP category and LMIA exemption code applies to your situation based on job offer, qualifications, citizenship, and circumstances.
Step 2: Employer Compliance
For most employer-specific IMP categories, employers must:
- Register through the Employer Portal
- Submit offer of employment
- Pay employer compliance fee (CAD $230 for new work permits, exempt for extensions)
- Obtain offer of employment number
Step 3: Gather Worker Documents
Required documentation varies by category but typically includes:
- Valid passport
- Completed work permit application forms (IMM 1295)
- Job offer letter and employment contract
- Proof of qualifications (diplomas, licenses, certifications)
- Offer of employment number (from employer portal)
- Category-specific documents (e.g., provincial nomination, graduation documents, marriage certificate)
- Photographs meeting specifications
Step 4: Submit Application
Application methods:
- Online: Most applicants apply through IRCC online portal
- Port of Entry: Some visa-exempt nationals can apply at Canadian border
- Visa Office: Paper applications through visa application centres in some countries
Step 5: Biometrics and Medical
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at visa application centre (CAD $85)
- Complete medical examination if required (work in healthcare, childcare, or staying longer than 6 months)
Step 6: Processing and Decision
Processing times vary by country and application method. Online applications from inside Canada typically process within 2-4 months. Port of entry applications can be processed same-day.
Step 7: Receive Work Permit
- If approved, receive work permit approval letter or port of entry letter
- If outside Canada, receive visa (if required) and port of entry letter
- Actual work permit issued at port of entry upon arrival in Canada
Work Permit Fees
Worker Fees
- Work permit holder fee: CAD $155
- Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100 (for open work permits)
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per person
- Total for employer-specific permit: CAD $240 (including biometrics)
- Total for open work permit: CAD $255 (including biometrics)
Employer Fees
- Employer compliance fee: CAD $230 (for new work permits)
- Exempt for work permit extensions in same position
- Exempt for some IMP categories (PGWP, spousal permits, etc.)
Pathways to Permanent Residence
Canadian work experience gained on IMP work permits counts toward permanent residence applications.
Express Entry - Canadian Experience Class
After one year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) on valid work permits, workers can apply through Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Many Provincial Nominee Programs target workers with Canadian work experience, including:
- Ontario PNP - Various streams for workers in Ontario
- BC PNP - Skilled Worker streams
- Alberta AINP - Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Other provincial programs based on work location
Strategic Planning
To maximize permanent residence prospects on IMP work permits:
- Work in skilled occupations (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3)
- Achieve strong language test results (IELTS/CELPIP CLB 7+)
- Obtain Educational Credential Assessment for foreign degrees
- Build at least one year of Canadian work experience
- Create Express Entry profile early
- Explore provincial nomination opportunities
Common IMP Application Challenges
1. Incorrect LMIA Exemption Code
Using wrong exemption codes causes processing delays and refusals. Carefully review which IMP category applies and use the correct exemption code on applications and employer portal submissions.
2. Insufficient Documentation
Each IMP category has specific documentation requirements. Generic job offers or missing category-specific documents lead to refusals. Provide comprehensive documentation proving eligibility for claimed exemption category.
3. Employer Compliance Issues
Employers failing to register through Employer Portal or pay compliance fees cause application delays. Ensure employers understand their obligations before workers submit applications.
4. Expired Supporting Documents
Ensure passports, language tests, educational assessments, and other time-sensitive documents remain valid throughout application processing and work permit duration.
5. Misunderstanding Category Requirements
Each IMP category has unique requirements (citizenship restrictions, qualification requirements, employer relationships). Thoroughly research applicable category requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About IMP
What is the difference between IMP and TFWP?
The International Mobility Program (IMP) provides LMIA-exempt work permits based on broader economic, cultural, or competitive benefits to Canada. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requires employers to obtain Labour Market Impact Assessments proving hiring foreign workers won't negatively impact Canadian workers. IMP is generally faster and less expensive for employers since it doesn't require LMIA processing, which takes several months and costs approximately CAD $1,000 per position.
Do I need a job offer for an IMP work permit?
It depends on the IMP category. Open work permit categories like Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), spousal open work permits, and bridging open work permits don't require job offers. Employer-specific categories like intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals, and significant benefit permits require job offers from specific Canadian employers. Review requirements for your specific IMP category.
Can my spouse work if I have an IMP work permit?
If you hold an IMP work permit in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit under exemption code C42 or C47. Your work permit must be valid for at least 6 months. Spouses can work for any employer in Canada. This applies to various IMP categories including intra-company transfers, CUSMA workers, and others in skilled positions.
How long does it take to get an IMP work permit?
Processing times vary significantly by application method and country. Online applications from inside Canada typically process in 2-4 months. Applications from outside Canada vary by visa office (check IRCC's website for country-specific times). Port of entry applications at land borders can be processed same-day for visa-exempt nationals with complete documentation. Employer portal registration typically processes within 1-2 weeks.
Does IMP work experience count toward permanent residence?
Yes, Canadian work experience gained on valid IMP work permits counts toward permanent residence through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) and Provincial Nominee Programs. After gaining one year of skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), you can apply for permanent residence. Both employer-specific and open IMP work permits provide qualifying experience.
Can I change employers on an IMP work permit?
For employer-specific IMP work permits, you can only work for the employer specified on your permit. If you want to work for a different employer, you must apply for a new work permit. For open work permits (PGWP, spousal permits, bridging permits), you can work for any employer and change jobs freely without needing new permits. To change employers on employer-specific permits, the new employer must complete employer portal registration and you must apply for a new work permit.
What is a bridging open work permit?
A bridging open work permit allows temporary residents who applied for permanent residence to continue working in Canada while their PR applications are processed. Requirements include having submitted a PR application, currently being in Canada, holding a valid work permit or having applied for extension before expiry, and having passed medical examination and eligibility review. Bridging permits are valid until PR decision is made or for specified period.
Are there fees for IMP work permits?
Yes, workers pay CAD $155 work permit holder fee (or CAD $100 for open work permits) plus CAD $85 biometrics fee, totaling CAD $240-255. For employer-specific permits, employers also pay CAD $230 employer compliance fee for new work permits (exempt for extensions in the same position and some categories like PGWP and spousal permits). Total costs are significantly lower than TFWP which additionally requires approximately CAD $1,000 LMIA fee.
Can I apply for an IMP work permit at the border?
Visa-exempt nationals (including US citizens) with complete documentation can apply for certain IMP work permits at Canadian ports of entry. This "flagpoling" option provides same-day processing. You need all required documents, fees, and employer compliance completed before arriving at the border. Not all IMP categories are eligible for port of entry applications—check specific category requirements. Citizens requiring visitor visas must apply at visa offices.
Should I hire an immigration consultant for IMP applications?
While IMP applications can be completed independently, many employers and workers benefit from professional assistance, especially for complex categories, ensuring correct exemption codes, comprehensive documentation, and strategic permanent residence planning. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can help navigate IMP categories, ensure compliance, and develop comprehensive immigration strategies. Contact us for assistance with IMP work permits.
Ready to Apply for an IMP Work Permit?
The International Mobility Program provides diverse LMIA-exempt pathways for working in Canada, from open work permits for graduates and spouses to employer-specific permits for professionals and transferees. Understanding which category applies to your situation is key to successful applications and building toward permanent residence.
Get Expert IMP Work Permit Assistance from VisaVio
VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in all International Mobility Program categories. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped numerous workers and employers successfully navigate IMP work permits and develop comprehensive work-to-permanent-residence strategies.
Free IMP Assessment
Determine which International Mobility Program category applies to your situation
Check EligibilityAdditional Work Permit and Immigration Resources
Explore more work permit categories and pathways:
- Post-Graduation Work Permits - PGWP for international graduates
- Spousal Open Work Permits - For spouses of workers and students
- Intra-Company Transfers - ICT work permits
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program - LMIA-based permits
- Express Entry - Permanent residence pathway
- Provincial Nominee Programs - Provincial pathways
- Immigration Blog - Latest work permit updates
- Immigration News - Breaking immigration news
- Service Fees - Transparent pricing
About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.