Move to Canada Without LMIA in 2024 With International Mobility Program (IMP)

Planning to move to Canada in 2024 but are overwhelmed by the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements? Then avoid LMIA in 2024 by adopting pathways programs to move to Canada via the International Mobility Program (IMP).

This comprehensive IMP framework provides various LMIA-exempt categories, enabling a smoother transition to entering, working, and living in Canada in 2024 without LMIA. From high-skilled professionals to cultural performers, and multinational transfers to innovative youth programs, the IMP paves the way for a rich array of opportunities in the Canadian workforce.

What is LMIA and how does it impact job seekers, Canadian Employers, and Canadian labor?

For international job seekers aiming to work in Canada, understanding the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is crucial. It’s a verification process confirming the necessity of a foreign worker, aimed at protecting Canadian jobs. LMIAs play a significant role in immigration programs, particularly the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, ensuring that hiring foreign talent doesn’t adversely impact local employment. As an applicant, it’s vital to be prepared for the LMIA process, often requiring coordination with your prospective employer, to navigate this key step in securing employment in Canada.

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is generally not required for candidates applying through the Express Entry system for programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class. However, it may be necessary for certain other immigration programs, particularly those under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, depending on the specific job and circumstances.

What is International Mobility Program (IMP) 2024?

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a comprehensive framework that enables Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It’s important to note that the IMP isn’t a single program but rather encompasses a variety of categories, each with its unique provisions.

Who Qualifies for IMP?

Eligibility for the International Mobility Program (IMP) extends to various groups, each with unique contributions to the Canadian labor market. High-skilled professionals, cultural performers, and international students engaged in work-integrated learning programs are prime candidates.

Participants in specific programs, notably IEC Canada’s Working Holiday or those under international agreements like NAFTA or CETA, are also eligible. Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents and intra-company transferees, who are employees transferring to a Canadian branch of a multinational company, are included in the program’s diverse scope.

Benefits for Employers

• Faster Hiring Process due to bypassing the LMIA streamlines recruitment.
• Wider Talent Pool enables the hiring of qualified foreign workers, filling gaps in the local workforce.
• Flexibility of certain IMP categories offers open work permits, allowing worker mobility

List of LMIA Exempted Routes to Move to Canada in 2024

Now, let’s delve into the various LMIA-exempt pathway programs under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which offer diverse routes for moving to Canada in 2024. These programs, designed to cater to a wide range of skills and circumstances, provide a comprehensive set of options for those seeking to work and settle in Canada without undergoing the Labour Market Impact Assessment process.

1# Leveraging International Free Trade Agreements

Canada’s involvement in free trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) opens doors for certain occupations to be exempt from LMIA requirements​.

2# Canadian Social and Cultural Interests

For those with talents in the arts, sports, or entertainment, Canada offers work permits under its social or cultural interests category. This fosters diversity and international cooperation, allowing artists, athletes, and performers to contribute uniquely to Canada’s cultural landscape​.

3# Intra-Company Transfers

If you’re part of a multinational company, consider the intra-company transfer. This LMIA-exempt category enables the movement of key personnel within these companies to work in Canada for a specified period​.

4# Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

International students graduating from Canadian institutions can stay and work in Canada with the PGWP, an LMIA-exempt permit. This not only provides work experience but also a potential pathway to permanent residency​.

5# Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

For those already in Canada on another work permit, the BOWP allows you to continue working while awaiting a decision on your permanent residence application, bypassing the LMIA requirement​.

6# Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces in Canada offer nomination programs for skilled workers. These programs often have streams that do not require an LMIA, especially for occupations in high demand in that province.

7# International Experience Canada (IEC): Youth from countries with a bilateral agreement with Canada can obtain work permits under the IEC. This program includes working holiday visas, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada.

8# Global Talent Stream (GTS): Part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, GTS offers a streamlined process for certain skilled positions. Although it requires employer compliance, it’s faster than the standard LMIA process.

9# Francophone Mobility Program

This program is for French-speaking individuals planning to work outside Quebec and is exempt from LMIA requirements.

10# Emergency Repair and Creative Industries

Workers in emergency repair or out-of-warranty equipment and those in television and film production are covered by specific LMIA exemptions.

11#Self-Employed Business Owners

Self-employed individuals in specific situations, like fishing guides or foreign camp owners, may be eligible for LMIA exemption.

12# Reciprocal Employment

Under this category, foreign workers can get jobs in Canada when Canadians have similar opportunities in other countries. It includes roles like coaches, athletes, and participants in the International Experience Canada Program.

13# Research and Educational Co-ops

LMIA Exemptions are provided for research roles and educational co-op placements at the post-secondary and secondary levels.

14# Charitable or Religious Work

Individuals engaged in religious or charitable work are eligible for LMIA exemption under R205(d) code C50.