Canada•North AmericaVaries
570 CAD
Varies (Duration varies based on employment contract and work permit issued.)
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
No
Not Required

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.
Canada's International Mobility Program (IMP) lets employers hire foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It covers LMIA-exempt roles — intra-company transfers, trade agreement positions (CUSMA, CETA), and work offering significant social or cultural benefit.
Employers submit an offer of employment via the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a CAD 230 compliance fee; workers pay CAD 155 for the work permit plus CAD 85 biometrics. Permits are renewable and tied to the employment contract. Spouses may get restricted work authorization; dual intent is permitted.
This visa is ideal for skilled foreign professionals and intra-company transferees whose roles qualify for an LMIA exemption under a trade agreement or significant benefit category.
Work permit fee | 155 CAD |
Open work permit holder fee | 100 CAD |
Biometrics fee | 85 CAD |
Employer compliance fee | 230 CAD |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Canada
CanadaMust have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
The position must be LMIA-exempt (e.g., trade agreements like CUSMA/CETA, intra-company transfers, or significant benefit).
Employer must submit the offer through the Employer Portal and pay the compliance fee.
Applicant must meet the specific qualifications of the chosen exemption category.
Must not be inadmissible to Canada.
Education
none or higher
Valid passport
Job offer letter
Offer of employment number
Passport photo
Police certificate
Medical exam
Offer of employment letter (sponsor)
Employer authorization (sponsor)
| Application for Work Permit - IMP | — |
| IMM 1295 Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Employer assesses category: Employer determines IMP category eligibility (ICT, student, etc.); Emplo… | canada.ca |
| Dependent Visa | Dependents allowed | canada.ca |
| Fee Breakdown | Work permit fee: 155 CAD; Open work permit holder fee: 100 CAD; Biometrics fee: 85 CAD; Employer com… | ircc.canada.ca |
| Fees | CAD 155 - CAD 255 (plus CAD 85 biometrics fee and/or CAD 230 employer compliance fee if applicable) | ircc.canada.ca |
| Forms | Application for Work Permit - IMP | canada.ca |
| Forms · IMM 1295 · description | Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada | canada.ca |
| Forms · IMM 1295 · name | IMM 1295 | canada.ca |
| Forms · IMM 1295 · url | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-gui… | canada.ca |
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