International Mobility Program (IMP)
Work Permit and LMIA
A work permit allows a foreign national to work in Canada on a temporary basis. There are various options available for foreign workers to come and work in Canada. These options can be broadly categorized into two: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to recruit foreign workers on a temporary work permit without a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The IMP includes international agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the Canada-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), International Experience Canada, and Post-Graduation Work Permits. It also includes those coming to work in Canada under Intra-Company Transferees. The IMP allows employers to hire foreign employees without first offering the job to Canadians.
A Temporary Work Permit may be a stepping stone for foreign nationals to Canadian permanent residence. Once they accomplish the required amount of work, foreign nationals may qualify for permanent residence through Canadian Experience Class (CEC), through a Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Foreign Nationals Who Can Work in Canada Without a Work Permit
The following foreign nationals may perform work in Canada without a work permit:
-
-
- Foreign representatives and their family members
- Foreign government officers
- Performing artists
- Business visitors
- News reporters, media crews
- Athletes and team members
- Military personnel
- Public speakers
- Judges, referees, and similar officials
- Civil aviation inspectors
- Aviation or accident investigators
- Crew
- Clergy
- Emergency service providers
- Maintained status
- Health care students
- Expert witnesses and investigators
- Examiners and evaluators
- Convention organizers
- On-campus employment
- In-flight security officers
- American cross-border maritime law enforcement officers
-
For more information – Contact us