The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a Canadian government program designed to help Canadian employers bring in foreign workers to fill labour shortages. It offers an alternative to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, which can be lengthy and complex.
The IMP is divided into two categories: the facilitated LMIA-exempt program and the reciprocal employment program. The facilitated LMIA-exempt program allows employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA, while the reciprocal employment program allows Canadians to work abroad in countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Canada.
To use the facilitated LMIA-exempt program, employers must first determine if their job offer meets the requirements of the program. These requirements include the nature of the job, the duration of the work permit, and the nationality of the foreign worker. Once the employer determines that their job offer is eligible, they can apply for a work permit through the program.
One of the most popular streams of the IMP is the International Experience Canada *(IEC) program, which provides opportunities for young people from certain countries to travel and work in Canada. Under this program, participants can obtain an open work permit that allows them to work for any employer in Canada for up to two years.
Another popular stream of the IMP is the Global Talent Stream (GTS), which provides expedited work permits for highly skilled workers. This stream is designed to help Canadian employers attract and retain top global talent in fields such as technology, engineering, and science. To use the GTS, employers must first obtain a Labour Market Benefits Plan that outlines their commitment to hiring and training Canadian workers.
To participate in the reciprocal employment program, Canadians must first obtain a work permit for the country they wish to work in. This program is designed to promote cultural exchange and international cooperation by allowing Canadians to gain work experience abroad.
Overall, the IMP is a valuable program for Canadian employers and foreign workers alike.
By simplifying the process of bringing in foreign workers, the program helps employers fill labour shortages and remain competitive in a global marketplace. For foreign workers, the program provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada and to contribute to the Canadian economy.
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*IEC:
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is available to young people from countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Canada. As of 2023, there are 36 countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada, including:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea, Republic of
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
Each of these countries has specific eligibility requirements for the IEC program, such as age limits, language proficiency, and educational requirements. It's important to check the specific requirements for your country before applying for the IEC program.