The International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a program administered by Immigration. It is designed to help Canadian employers fill labour shortages and to facilitate the entry of foreign workers who are essential to the Canadian economy. At the same time, it aims to ensure that Canadian workers have access to job opportunities and that foreign workers are treated fairly and equitably.

What is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The LMIA is a document that employers in Canada must obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to prove that there is a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position. However, the IMP exempts certain foreign workers from this requirement.

The IMP includes a variety of streams, including intra-company transfers, NAFTA professionals, significant benefit, and youth mobility, among others. Each stream has its own eligibility requirements, and some may have restrictions on the length of stay or the type of work that can be performed.

How do I apply for the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

As an individual, you cannot apply for the International Mobility Program (IMP) directly. Instead, the program is administered by employers who wish to hire foreign workers.

If you are a foreign national who is interested in working in Canada, you may be eligible to participate in the IMP if you meet the requirements of one of its streams. To do so, you would need to find a Canadian employer who is willing to hire you under one of the IMP streams, such as intra-company transfer, NAFTA professionals, significant benefit, or youth mobility.

Once you have found an employer who is interested in hiring you, your employer would need to apply for a work permit on your behalf through the IMP. The specific application process would depend on the stream under which you are applying, as each stream has its own eligibility requirements and application procedures.

How do I get hired by a Canadian employer?

Finding a Canadian employer who is willing to hire you under one of the International Mobility Program (IMP) streams can be a challenging process, but there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of success:

Research the different IMP streams: The first step is to familiarize yourself with the different IMP streams and their eligibility requirements. This will help you narrow down which streams you may be eligible for, and also help you understand what types of positions Canadian employers are looking to fill under the program.

Network with Canadian employers: Networking is key to finding a job in Canada. You can start by reaching out to any contacts you may have in your industry who are based in Canada, and ask them if they know of any job openings. You can also attend industry events, trade shows, and job fairs to meet potential employers in person.

Use job search websites: There are many job search websites in Canada that list job openings across different industries. Some popular job search websites in Canada include Indeed, Monster, and Workopolis.

Contact Canadian recruitment agencies: There are many recruitment agencies in Canada that specialize in helping employers find foreign workers. Contacting a recruitment agency that specializes in your industry could increase your chances of finding a job in Canada.

Consider working for a multinational company: Many multinational companies have offices in Canada and may be looking for foreign workers to fill positions under the intra-company transfer stream of the IMP.

Overall, finding a Canadian employer who is willing to hire you under one of the IMP streams can take time and effort, but by following these steps and being persistent in your job search, you can increase your chances of success.

Final thought

To sum up, the International Mobility Program (IMP) has been an essential program for Canadian employers to access foreign workers to fill labor shortages and drive economic growth. It offers numerous benefits to foreign workers, such as gaining Canadian work experience and the possibility of obtaining permanent residency. While criticisms of the program have been voiced, the Canadian government has taken steps to ensure compliance, fair treatment of workers, and transparency. Overall, the IMP has been successful in attracting global talent and is expected to continue playing a critical role in Canada's labor market.