The International Mobility Program in Canada

Work Permits Under Free Trade Agreements (CUSMA, CETA, and Others)

Canada has entered into several international trade agreements that facilitate labour mobility between participating countries. These agreements allow certain professionals, investors, traders, and intra-company transferees to apply for LMIA-exempt work permits.

For example, under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), eligible U.S. and Mexican citizens may obtain work permits in specific professional occupations. Similarly, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides mobility provisions for eligible European Union citizens.

These streams promote international trade, cross-border investment, and professional exchange. Eligibility depends on nationality, occupation, and specific agreement provisions.

Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP)

Bridging Open Work Permits allow certain applicants who have already applied for permanent residency to continue working in Canada while awaiting a decision. This category prevents employment disruptions during processing delays.

To qualify, applicants must generally:

• Be in Canada
• Hold a valid temporary resident status
• Have submitted a complete permanent residency application under an eligible program
• Meet specific eligibility criteria

BOWPs are typically open work permits, meaning the holder is not restricted to a single employer. This stream is especially valuable for skilled workers transitioning from temporary to permanent status.

Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Work Permits

The Intra-Company Transferee stream is designed for multinational corporations (MNCs) that wish to transfer executives, senior managers, or specialized knowledge employees to their Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

This stream is strictly for qualifying multinational businesses with established corporate relationships between foreign and Canadian entities. Applicants must typically have worked for the foreign company for at least one year within the past three years.

ICT permits enable global companies to maintain operational continuity and transfer essential expertise to Canada without undergoing the LMIA process.

Significant Benefit Work Permits

Significant Benefit permits are issued when a foreign national’s employment is expected to provide important economic, cultural, or social benefits to Canada.

Applicants may qualify if they:

• Possess specialized skills or expertise
• Are entrepreneurs or self-employed professionals
• Contribute to innovation or job creation
• Demonstrate achievements recognized in their field

This category often requires substantial supporting documentation demonstrating how the applicant’s presence will positively impact Canada. It is frequently used for business owners, investors, artists, researchers, and high-level professionals.

Francophone Mobility Program (Outside Quebec)

The Francophone Mobility Program promotes French-speaking immigration to provinces and territories outside Quebec. Under this stream, French-speaking foreign nationals may obtain LMIA-exempt work permits if they have a valid job offer outside Quebec in a skilled occupation.

The objective is to strengthen Francophone communities across Canada and support linguistic diversity. Applicants must demonstrate French-language proficiency and meet job offer requirements.

This stream provides a strategic option for employers seeking bilingual talent and for French-speaking professionals pursuing opportunities outside Quebec.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young individuals from participating countries to work in Canada temporarily under reciprocal agreements.

• Working Holiday: Open work permit allowing participants to work for most employers
• Young Professionals: Employer-specific work permit for career development
• International Co-op (Internship): Employer-specific work permit for students completing internships

Eligibility depends on age, nationality, and bilateral agreements between Canada and participating countries.

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows eligible international graduates from designated Canadian institutions to obtain an open work permit after completing their studies.

The duration of the permit typically corresponds to the length of the academic program, subject to maximum limits. PGWPs provide valuable Canadian work experience and may support eligibility for permanent residency under economic immigration pathways.

Graduates must meet strict eligibility requirements, including timely application submission and completion of an eligible program.

Work Permits for Spouses and Common-Law Partners

Spouses and common-law partners of certain international students and skilled foreign workers may qualify for open work permits.

This category promotes family unity and allows accompanying partners to work for most employers in Canada. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s status and category.

These open work permits provide financial flexibility and career opportunities for families relocating to Canada.

Employer Compliance Under the IMP

Although many IMP work permits are LMIA-exempt, employers must comply with regulatory obligations, including

• Submitting employment offers through the Employer Portal
• Paying compliance fees
• Ensuring wages and working conditions match submitted terms
•  Maintaining records for potential inspections

Failure to comply can result in penalties or restrictions on future hiring.