The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary work permit without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This offers several advantages to both employers and workers by simplifying and speeding up the hiring process.

Positions that are exempt from requiring an LMIA are those that:

– Provide significant economic, cultural, or other competitive benefits to Canada
– Offer reciprocal benefits to Canadian citizens and permanent residents

Workers eligible for the IMP include:

– Individuals entering Canada under trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA)
– Those entering Canada with an open work permit
– Intra-company transferees

Hiring a foreign worker through the IMP typically involves a $230 employer compliance fee. However, this fee is not required if the employer is hiring an open work permit holder. Other fee exemptions apply to positions under non-trade agreements, certain research roles, and charitable or religious work.

Job offers under the IMP must be processed through the IRCC’s Employer Portal. Employers need to create a profile on the portal and provide comprehensive details of the job, including duties, minimum education requirements, required experience, as well as wages and benefits.