Move to Canada Without LMIA in 2025 With International Mobility Program (IMP)
Ready to make your move to Canada in 2025? You’re not alone. But navigating the immigration process can be daunting, especially when it comes to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). An LMIA is a document Canadian employers typically need to hire foreign workers, proving no Canadian is available to do the job.
However, recent updates in 2024 have adjusted some LMIA requirements, making it even more important to understand all your options. Good news: there are ways to bypass this requirement and fast-track your journey. This comprehensive guide focuses on the International Mobility Program (IMP) and other LMIA-exempt options, providing you with the essential information you need to succeed.
We’ll cover everything from updated eligibility criteria for 2025 to practical application tips, empowering you to take control of your Canadian immigration process. In this article, we will talk about everything! Let’s get started on your path to Canada.
What’s LMIA All About?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers must typically obtain to hire a foreign worker. It demonstrates that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill a job position and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do so.
- Who Needs an LMIA in 2025? – Employers hiring foreign workers for positions not exempt from the LMIA requirement. Applicants for work permits under streams like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- Why Is It Needed? – To protect the Canadian labor market and ensure that job opportunities are offered to Canadians first.
Can You Avoid LMIA in order to move to Canada in 2025?
Certain Canadian immigration programs and work permits, such as those under the International Mobility Program (IMP), allow foreign nationals to bypass the LMIA requirement. These routes are designed to support Canada’s broader economic, cultural, and trade objectives and in this article we are going to explore those possibilities.
5 Easy Routes to Move to Canada Without LMIA in 2025
So here are those 5 key options through which you can easily bypass LMIA requirement for moving to Canada in 2025:
1# International Mobility Program (IMP)
-
- Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs)
- Work permits under trade agreements like CUSMA, CETA, and GATS
- Charitable or religious work permits
- Reciprocal employment agreements
2# Global Talent Stream (GTS): Aimed at high-demand tech professionals, offering expedited work permit processing without LMIA.
3# Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): For international students graduating from eligible Canadian institutions.
4# Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces offer LMIA exemptions for specific occupations or employer-driven streams.
5# Open Work Permits: Includes spousal open work permits, Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP), and others under special circumstances.
In this article we detailed IMP pathway program that has gone under significant policy changes this year:
What Is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a Canadian immigration pathway that enables foreign workers to obtain a work permit without an LMIA. Unlike LMIA-based permits, the IMP focuses on advancing Canada’s interests beyond just addressing labor shortages.
The IMP includes several categories, such as:
- Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs): For employees transferring within multinational companies.
- International Agreements: Covering trade agreements like CUSMA, CETA, and others.
- Charitable or Religious Workers: For individuals engaged in non-profit or religious organizations.
New Changes to the IMP for 2025 Applications
Recent updates to the IMP, particularly for the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) category, have introduced stricter requirements for applicants and employers. Here are the critical changes:
1# Stricter Eligibility for Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs): Employers must demonstrate that the company is part of a multinational corporation with revenue-generating operations in at least 2 countries. And companies establishing their 1st Canadian presence no longer qualify under the ICT category.
2# Limited Work Permit Duration for Entrepreneurs: Work permits for setting up new enterprises in Canada are now capped at 1-year, with no extensions unless significant milestones like job creation or business growth are achieved.
3# Wage Requirements: Employers must pay workers wages that meet the prevailing wage rate in their region. Allowances (e.g., housing, travel) are no longer considered part of the compensation.
4# Proof of Active Operations: Both the foreign and Canadian entities must provide evidence of active business operations. Virtual businesses without physical premises are no longer eligible.
These policy changes(https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-temporary-foreign/international-mobility-program.html) highlight Canada’s intent to align temporary foreign worker programs with its long-term economic strategies.
Eligibility Criteria for IMP Program in 2025
To qualify for the IMP, you must meet the following general requirements:
- Be employed by or affiliated with an organization that qualifies under an IMP category (e.g., multinational corporation, international trade agreement).
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer participating in the program.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria for the IMP stream you are applying under.
For Intra-Company Transfers:
- Your employer must demonstrate an existing multinational presence.
- You must hold a senior managerial or specialized knowledge role.
- A minimum of 1 year of continuous employment with the foreign company is required.
How to Apply for IMP in 2025?
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility: Identify which IMP category fits your profile, such as ICTs, trade agreements, or research programs and ensure you meet the updated requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents: Typical documents include:
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- Proof of employment (e.g., employment contracts, pay stubs).
- Company documentation showing active operations in both countries.
- Educational qualifications and credentials.
- A job offer letter that meets Canadian wage requirements.
Step 3: Submit Your Application: Applications are submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/partners-service-providers/employer-portal.html. Ensure you include all required documents to avoid delays.
Step 4: Wait for Approval: Processing times vary but are generally faster than LMIA-based applications.
Occupations Eligible for IMP Program 2025
Here’s a comprehensive table outlining the occupations and categories that qualify under the International Mobility Program (IMP):
| Category | Description | Common Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Intra-Company Transferees | For employees transferring within the same multinational company to a Canadian branch. | Executives, Senior Managers, Specialized Knowledge Workers |
| Professionals under Trade Agreements | Workers covered under agreements like CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP. | Engineers, Architects, Management Consultants, IT Specialists |
| Academics and Researchers | For foreign nationals in academia and research positions. | Professors, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Chairs, Visiting Lecturers |
| Reciprocal Employment | Jobs under mutual agreements allowing foreign workers similar roles in Canada and abroad. | Artists, Professional Athletes, Coaches, Youth Exchange Participants |
| Charitable and Religious Workers | Non-commercial or religious work performed in Canada. | Clergy, Humanitarian Workers, Religious Teachers |
| Francophone Mobility | For French-speaking foreign workers outside Quebec in high-skilled occupations. | Teachers, Health Care Professionals, IT Specialists |
| Significant Benefit to Canada | For jobs providing economic, cultural, or social benefits to Canada. | Entrepreneurs, Start-Up Business Owners, Entertainers, Film and Television Crew |
| Open Work Permits | Allows individuals to work in various occupations without employer restrictions. | Spouses of skilled workers or students, Refugees, International Graduates (Post-Graduation Work Permits) |
Top Industries Hiring Under the IMP Program for 2025
| Industry | Example Roles |
|---|---|
| Technology | Software Developers, IT Consultants |
| Health Care | Nurses, Physicians, Medical Researchers |
| Education | Professors, Academic Researchers |
| Arts & Entertainment | Film Production Staff, Musicians, Performers |
References
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