International Mobility Program

Canada’s International Mobility Program allows highly skilled foreign nationals to work temporarily in Canada as intra-company transferees. If a foreign national is an employee of a multinational company located outside of Canada, they may be eligible to obtain an LMIA-exempt work permit to transfer to one of the company’s locations within Canada. The intra-company transferee rule applies to all countries.

Hiring a foreign worker through the IMP typically involves paying a $230 employer compliance fee. Where an employer is hiring an open work permit holder, the fee is not required. Other fee-exempt positions include those covered by a non-trade agreement, certain research positions, and charitable or religious work.

Job offers via the IMP must be made through the IRCC’s Employer Portal. Employers must register a profile to use the Employer Portal.
Extensive details of the job being offered must be entered into the portal, including a list of duties, the minimum education requirement, experience required, plus wages and benefits.

Requirements for the International Mobility Program

For the Foreign Worker:

Foreign worker must apply online.
Foreign worker must have all the required documents for their visa application.
Foreign worker must apply for a work permit (requirements and conditions apply).
Foreign worker may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer and is not job-specific (requirements and conditions apply).

For the Employer:

An employer, in most cases (but not all), must submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal. The temporary foreign worker must then apply for a work permit.
Hiring a temporary foreign worker who has an open work permit, the employer does not need to submit an offer of employment or pay the employer compliance fee. This applies to LMIA-exempt employers.

Benefits of the International Mobility Program

The foreign worker may qualify for a fast 2-week processing of their application. Conditions apply.
The foreign worker may be eligible for an open work permit.

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