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LMIA-exempt work

International Mobility Program (IMP) Canada

The International Mobility Program covers work permit categories that are exempt from an LMIA because the work supports broader economic, social, cultural or reciprocal objectives. The correct exemption code and employer process are central to the application.

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Overview

What is the International Mobility Program?

The IMP allows employers to hire eligible temporary foreign workers without an LMIA when a specific exemption applies. It includes categories based on international agreements, Canadian interests, reciprocal employment, significant benefit and other legal authorities.

Eligibility

Who can use an LMIA exemption?

Common examples can include certain free-trade-agreement professionals, intra-company transferees, Francophone Mobility, reciprocal employment and some IEC employer-specific categories. A difficult-to-fill job does not by itself create an IMP exemption.

Employer requirements

Employer Portal and compliance fee

In most employer-specific IMP cases, the employer must submit an offer through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee before the worker applies. Some categories are exempt, so the exact legal exemption must be confirmed.

Application process

How an IMP work permit works

  1. Identify the correct LMIA exemption.
  2. Confirm employer and worker eligibility.
  3. Complete Employer Portal and fee steps where required.
  4. Give the offer number to the worker.
  5. Worker submits the permit application with exemption evidence.
Documents

Documents commonly needed for an IMP work permit

  • passport and identity documents;
  • job offer and employment agreement;
  • offer-of-employment number where required;
  • documents proving the exemption;
  • education, licensing or experience records; and
  • family or status documents where relevant.
Common issues

Common IMP application problems

  • using an exemption that does not fit the facts;
  • Employer Portal details not matching the worker application;
  • wrong exemption code;
  • missing compliance fee or offer number; and
  • assuming LMIA-exempt means employer-obligation-free.
Professional support

How Argus can help with the International Mobility Program

Argus can assess the proposed exemption, review employer and worker documents, coordinate the Employer Portal and work-permit stages within scope and prepare or review the worker application.

FAQs

International Mobility Program FAQs

Does IMP require an LMIA?

No.

Does the employer still have obligations?

Usually yes, including Employer Portal and compliance requirements in many cases.

What if no exemption fits?

The employer may need the TFWP/LMIA route or another valid work authorization option.

Official information

Current government sources

Immigration rules can change. These pages were reviewed against current official sources on September 23, 2026:

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Every application depends on the individual facts and the rules in force when you apply. A consultation can help identify the requirements, documents and issues most relevant to your situation.