International Mobility Program: An A to Z Guide for 2026
Canada issues work permits through two main programs. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that hiring a foreign worker will not harm the labour market. The International Mobility Program (IMP) does not. Instead, it covers work that supports Canada’s broader economic, cultural and competitive interests, and work permits required by international agreements.
This A to Z guide explains how the International Mobility Program works in 2026, who it covers, what employers must do, how open work permits fit in and how to stay compliant.
Quick Summary
The International Mobility Program issues LMIA-exempt work permits. It covers trade agreement professionals, intra-company transferees, International Experience Canada participants, francophone mobility workers, significant benefit cases, researchers and academics, and open work permits such as PGWP, bridging and spousal permits. For employer-specific IMP permits, employers pay a $230 compliance fee and submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal. Employers are subject to compliance inspections.
IMP vs TFWP at a Glance
| Feature | International Mobility Program | Temporary Foreign Worker Program |
|---|---|---|
| LMIA required | No | Yes, in most cases |
| Managed by | IRCC | ESDC/Service Canada for the LMIA, then IRCC for the permit |
| Employer fee | $230 employer compliance fee for employer-specific permits | $1,000 LMIA processing fee per position |
| Basis | Canadian interests, international agreements, open work permit policies | Labour market need |
| Recruitment advertising | Not required | Required in most streams |
A to Z: Key IMP Terms and Categories
- A is for Academic work: certain researchers, guest lecturers and post-doctoral fellows can work without an LMIA.
- B is for Bridging open work permit: for eligible economic PR applicants waiting for a decision.
- C is for CUSMA: professionals, intra-company transferees, traders and investors from the US and Mexico.
- E is for Employer Portal: where employers submit offers of employment for employer-specific IMP permits.
- F is for Francophone mobility: LMIA-exempt permits for French-speaking workers hired outside Quebec.
- I is for International Experience Canada: working holiday, young professionals and international co-op permits for youth from partner countries.
- I is also for Intra-company transferees: executives, managers, specialized knowledge workers and new office transfers for multinational companies.
- O is for Offer of employment number: the 7-digit number employers give workers to use in their work permit applications.
- P is for Post-Graduation Work Permit: an open work permit for eligible graduates of Canadian institutions.
- R is for Reciprocal employment: exchanges where Canadians enjoy similar opportunities abroad.
- S is for Significant benefit: work that brings significant social, cultural or economic benefits to Canada.
- S is also for Spousal open work permits: available to eligible spouses under rules narrowed in January 2025.
- T is for Trade agreements: CETA, CPTPP, the Canada-UK agreement and other free trade agreements.
- V is for Vulnerable workers: open work permits for workers experiencing abuse in their jobs.
How Employers Hire Through the IMP
Step 1: Confirm the exemption
Identify the exemption that fits the worker and job, and confirm the worker meets every requirement.
Step 2: Pay the employer compliance fee
Pay the $230 employer compliance fee, unless your situation is exempt.
Step 3: Submit the offer of employment
Submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal, including business details, job duties, wages and benefits.
Step 4: Share the offer number
You receive a 7-digit offer of employment number. Give it to the worker so they can apply.
Step 5: The worker applies
The worker applies to IRCC for the work permit, usually online.
Employers do not need to submit an offer or pay the fee for workers who hold open work permits.
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Book a ConsultationEmployer Compliance Obligations
IMP employers must meet the conditions they set out in the offer of employment, including wages, duties and working conditions, and keep supporting documents. IRCC can conduct inspections, including unannounced visits. Non-compliance can lead to warnings, monetary penalties, bans and public listing. Employers must also maintain a workplace free of abuse.
How Workers Benefit From the IMP
- Faster hiring timelines without LMIA advertising.
- Open work permit options that allow changing employers.
- Experience that supports permanent residence applications, such as the Canadian Experience Class.
Common IMP Mistakes
- Using the wrong exemption for the role.
- Forgetting to pay the compliance fee or submit the offer.
- Changing duties or wages without considering compliance.
- Assuming every exemption allows applying at the border; flagpoling for most work permits ended in December 2024.
How Can X Global Solutions Helps
Can X Global Solutions helps employers and workers navigate the International Mobility Program, from choosing the right exemption to staying compliant after hiring. Over 10+ years, we have helped clients from more than 30 countries use the IMP to hire faster and smarter.
Explore our International Mobility Program services, International Experience Canada support and free trade agreement work permits, or get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Mobility Program in Canada?
The International Mobility Program issues work permits that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment. It covers work that supports Canada’s broader interests or is required by international agreements, including trade agreement professionals, intra-company transferees, International Experience Canada participants, significant benefit cases and open work permits such as PGWPs.
What is the difference between the IMP and the TFWP?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program requires an LMIA to show that hiring a foreign worker will not harm the Canadian labour market. The International Mobility Program does not require an LMIA, because its permits are based on Canadian interests, international agreements or open work permit policies.
How much does an employer pay to hire through the IMP?
For employer-specific IMP work permits, employers usually pay a $230 employer compliance fee and submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal. Employers do not pay this fee for workers holding open work permits. Workers pay their own work permit fees and, if required, biometrics fees.
Can IRCC inspect IMP employers?
Yes. IRCC can inspect employers who hire workers through the International Mobility Program, including through unannounced visits. Employers must meet the conditions in their offer of employment and keep records. Non-compliance can lead to warnings, monetary penalties, bans and public listing.
How This Guide Helps You
The International Mobility Program can open faster hiring routes for employers and more flexible options for workers, but its many categories can be confusing. This A to Z guide turns the IMP into a clear map, explains employer steps and highlights compliance duties. With it, readers can identify the right pathway quickly and use it correctly.
Partner with Can X Global Solutions to handle more cases with confidence. We help employers use the International Mobility Program correctly and compliantly.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
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