LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Available for roles exempt from LMIA requirements due to international agreements, public policy, or significant benefit to Canada.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Francophone Mobility Work Permit Post-Doctoral Fellows Significant Benefit / Owner-Operator Work Permits
Common IMP Categories
Intra-Company Transferee (ICT)
For executives, senior managers, or specialized knowledge workers transferring from a related foreign company to a Canadian entity.
Francophone Mobility Work Permit
For French-speaking or bilingual workers with job offers outside Quebec in eligible occupations.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
For academic researchers and fellows working at eligible Canadian institutions.
Significant Benefit / Owner-Operator Work Permits
For individuals whose work or business activity provides a significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada.
Canadian Employers
You may qualify under the IMP if:
Your job offer falls under an LMIA-exempt category
You can demonstrate compliance with IRCC employer requirements
The position aligns with international agreements, public policy, or significant benefit criteria
You submit the required offer of employment and compliance fee
Business registration and incorporation documents
Job offer and employment details
Proof of LMIA-exempt category eligibility
Offer of Employment submission through IRCC portal
Employer compliance fee payment
Valid passport
Job offer letter or contract
Proof of qualifications and experience
Biometrics (if required)
Medical exam or police certificates (if required)
Document requirements vary depending on the IMP category.
Eligibility assessment and category selection
Employer submits offer of employment and compliance fee
Foreign worker submits work permit application
Biometrics and medical exam (if required)
IRCC review and decision
Work permit issuance or port-of-entry approval
Government Fees (Subject to Change)
Employer compliance fee (employer-paid)
Work permit processing fee
Biometrics fee (if applicable)
Processing times vary by category, country of residence, and application method
All timelines are estimates and subject to IRCC processing.
Foreign Workers
You may qualify if you:
Have a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer
Meet the requirements of a specific LMIA-exempt category
Are admissible to Canada
Possess the required qualifications for the role
Business registration and incorporation documents
Job offer and employment details
Proof of LMIA-exempt category eligibility
Offer of Employment submission through IRCC portal
Employer compliance fee payment
Valid passport
Job offer letter or contract
Proof of qualifications and experience
Biometrics (if required)
Medical exam or police certificates (if required)
Document requirements vary depending on the IMP category.
Eligibility assessment and category selection
Employer submits offer of employment and compliance fee
Foreign worker submits work permit application
Biometrics and medical exam (if required)
IRCC review and decision
Work permit issuance or port-of-entry approval
Government Fees (Subject to Change)
Employer compliance fee (employer-paid)
Work permit processing fee
Biometrics fee (if applicable)
Processing times vary by category, country of residence, and application method
All timelines are estimates and subject to IRCC processing.
FAQs
Is an LMIA required under the IMP?
No. Some jobs are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program.
Can IMP work permits lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Canadian work experience gained under IMP categories may support future permanent residence applications.
Are employers still subject to compliance inspections?
Yes. Employers must meet all IRCC compliance and record-keeping requirements.
Can family members accompany the worker?
In many cases, spouses may qualify for open work permits and children may study in Canada.