Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Employer obtains a positive LMIA from ESDC before the foreign national can apply for a work permit. The LMIA confirms no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available.
- Employer applies for LMIA first — worker cannot apply independently
- Positive LMIA is tied to a specific job title, wage, and worksite
- Worker applies to IRCC for closed (employer-specific) work permit citing LMIA number
- Changing employers requires a new LMIA and new work permit
- High-wage and low-wage streams have distinct requirements — review carefully
International Mobility Program (IMP)
Over 50 exemption categories allow workers to obtain permits without an LMIA — based on international agreements, reciprocal employment, or significant benefit to Canada. Faster and less expensive than TFWP. Workers on open work permits under IMP gain the Canadian experience that can qualify them for the Canadian Experience Class.
- No LMIA required — employer submits offer of employment through IRCC portal ($230 compliance fee)
- No recruitment requirement — no need to advertise or document Canadian applicant search
- Open work permits are available under several IMP categories (no employer restriction)
- CUSMA/USMCA allows US and Mexican professionals to enter at the port of entry without pre-approval
- Intracompany transfers require documented corporate relationship between entities
Assess IMP eligibility before pursuing LMIA
An LMIA application costs $1,000, takes 60 business days, and requires demonstrating labour market need. If the position or worker qualifies for an IMP exemption — CUSMA, ICT, significant benefit — the work permit can be processed without ESDC involvement, often within a few weeks. Check IMP first. Pursue LMIA only when no exemption applies.
IMP Exemption Categories
International Agreements
Examples: CUSMA/USMCA professionals, CETA, CPTPP, bilateral agreements
No job offer registration required for CUSMA professionals. Employer submits offer of employment for all other R204 categories.
Significant Benefit — Canadian Interests
Examples: Intracompany transfers (executives, managers, specialized knowledge), athletes, performers, researchers
ICT requires proof of qualifying relationship between Canadian and foreign entity. Specialized knowledge must be proprietary — general industry expertise does not qualify.
Significant Benefit — Reciprocal Employment
Examples: Positions where hiring is reciprocated by Canada sending workers abroad
Less commonly used; requires documented reciprocal arrangement.
Significant Benefit — Charitable/Religious
Examples: Volunteer workers, clergy, religious workers at non-profit organizations
Employer must demonstrate organization is non-profit and position is genuinely charitable or religious in nature.
Significant Benefit — No Remuneration
Examples: Volunteers, certain exchange participants
Worker cannot receive wages or salary. Expense reimbursement is permitted.
No Other Means of Support
Examples: Refugee claimants, protected persons, certain TRP holders
Most common basis for refugee claimant open work permits.
Work Permit Services
Open Work Permit
LMIA-ExemptWork for any employer in Canada — PGWP, spousal, IEC, and bridging OWPs.
Review detailsEmployer-Specific Work Permit
LMIA or IMPClosed permits tied to one employer — LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt IMP categories.
Review detailsCaregiver Work Permit
LMIA-RequiredEmployer-specific permits for in-home caregivers under the Caregiver LMIA.
Review detailsLMIA Applications
Employer ServiceEmployer-side Labour Market Impact Assessment across all seven ESDC streams.
Review detailsGlobal Talent Stream
Fast-Track LMIAGTS LMIA for highly skilled tech and specialized workers — 10 business day processing.
Review detailsBusiness Visitor Visa
No Work PermitEnter Canada for business activities without a work permit under R186(a).
Review details