International Mobility Program (IMP)
CanadaCanadaNorth America
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International Mobility Program (IMP)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

42-56 days

Application Fee

255 CAD

Stay Duration

Up to 4 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Employer-based work program not requiring Labour Market Impact Assessment. Includes intra-company transfers, Canadian-linked workers, and other economic benefits. Open or employer-specific permits.

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment in situations benefiting Canada's economic, social, or cultural interests. This includes intra-company transfers, international agreements, and other strategic hires.

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Requirements

Personal

Passport Validity

6 months

Criminal Record Policy

Clean record required

Professional

Required Skills

Job offer must fall under an LMIA-exempt categoryMust meet the specific requirements of the relevant LMIA exemption code

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

Valid identification

Job offer letter

From Canadian employer

Offer of employment number

7-digit number from employer

Passport photo

Biometric-style recent photo

Police certificate

If required by IRCC

Optional

Medical exam

If required by IRCC

Optional

Sponsor Documents

Offer of employment letter

Formal offer with position details and conditions

Employer authorization

Signed authorization from employer

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Advantages

  • No LMIA required (faster and cheaper than TFWP)
  • Can issue open work permits in some categories
  • Intra-company transfers facilitated
  • Can transition to permanent residency
  • Work experience counts toward PR
  • Employer-friendly process

Considerations

  • Still employer-dependent in most cases
  • Limited to specific IMP categories
  • Processing fees required
  • Biometrics and security checks needed
  • Work permit duration tied to contract
  • Some categories restricted

Application Process

1

Employer assesses category

Employer determines IMP category eligibility (ICT, student, etc.)

2

Employer submits offer

Employer submits employment offer through IRCC Employer Portal

3

Receive offer number

Employer receives 7-digit offer of employment number

4

Worker applies for permit

Worker applies for IMP work permit with offer number

5

Gather documents

Collect passport, job offer letter, and supporting documents

6

Create account

Set up IRCC online account

7

Complete application

Submit IMP work permit application

8

Pay fee

Pay CAD $155 work permit fee plus CAD $85 biometric fee

9

Biometrics

Provide fingerprints and photograph

10

Receive decision

Work permit approval in account

Application Forms

Application for Work Permit - IMP

Form ID: IMM 1295

Ready to Apply?

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Living in Canada

Cost of Living
8% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$50,000
Quality of Life
172/200
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