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IMP — International Mobility Program (IMP)
VisasCanadaIMP — International Mobility Program (IMP)
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

IMP — International Mobility Program (IMP)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

570 CAD

Stay Duration

Varies (Duration varies based on employment contract and work permit issued.)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

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

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.

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.

Fee Breakdown

Work permit fee
155 CAD
Open work permit holder fee
100 CAD
Biometrics fee
85 CAD
Employer compliance fee
230 CAD

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Canada flagCanada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program
Canada flagCanada

PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7-14 months
View Visa Details
CEC — Canadian Experience Class
Canada flagCanada

CEC — Canadian Experience Class

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada flagCanada

FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canada flagCanada

FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing0-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must 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.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Job offer letter

Offer of employment number

Passport photo

Police certificate

Medical exam

Offer of employment letter (sponsor)

Employer authorization (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required, saving significant time and cost.
  • Streamlined and faster hiring process compared to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
  • Supports broader economic, cultural, and reciprocal benefits for Canada.
  • Allows employers to access global talent quickly.

Worth Knowing

  • Employer must remain compliant with program conditions; non-compliance can lead to penalties.
  • The work permit is often employer-specific (tied to the job offer).
  • Requires careful selection of the correct exemption code to avoid application rejection.
  • Processing times vary by stream and applicant location.

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

Go to application portal
Application for Work Permit - IMP—
IMM 1295
Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada
Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsEmployer assesses category: Employer determines IMP category eligibility (ICT, student, etc.); Emplo…canada.ca
Dependent VisaDependents allowedcanada.ca
Fee BreakdownWork permit fee: 155 CAD; Open work permit holder fee: 100 CAD; Biometrics fee: 85 CAD; Employer com…ircc.canada.ca
FeesCAD 155 - CAD 255 (plus CAD 85 biometrics fee and/or CAD 230 employer compliance fee if applicable)ircc.canada.ca
FormsApplication for Work Permit - IMPcanada.ca
Forms · IMM 1295 · descriptionApplication for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canadacanada.ca
Forms · IMM 1295 · nameIMM 1295canada.ca
Forms · IMM 1295 · urlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-gui…canada.ca

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