The International Mobility Program (IMP) is run by IRCC. It covers employer-specific permits for jobs that are exempt from the LMIA requirement, as well as open work permits. This guide focuses on the employer-specific side: which exemptions exist, what the employer must do in the Employer Portal, and what the worker must prove.
An LMIA exemption is not a work permit exemption
LMIA-exempt
The employer does not need ESDC's labour market assessment, but the worker still needs a work permit and must meet every requirement for it.
Work-permit-exempt
A short list of activities needs no work permit at all, such as business visitors or short-term highly skilled work. That is a different rule; see the overview.
Codes decide the route
Every LMIA-exempt job fits a specific exemption code in IRCC's instructions. The employer must choose the code that truly fits and read its full description.
Québec
IRCC's document list for LMIA-exempt jobs asks for the contract and the offer of employment number, not a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), unlike LMIA-based jobs in Québec.
What the employer must do first
- Confirm the exemptionReview IRCC's LMIA exemption codes and pick the one that fits the job and the worker. An exemption that does not match the real job can lead to refusal and to employer non-compliance.
- Pay the employer compliance feeIn most cases $230 per worker ($690 in total for a group of three or more entertainers offered jobs at the same time). The fee is the employer's cost.
- Submit the offer of employment in the Employer PortalThe offer covers the business, the worker, the job details, wages and benefits.
- Give the worker the offer numberThe offer of employment number starts with the letter "A" followed by seven digits. It can be used for only one application; a later application needs a new number.
- Then the worker appliesThe worker can complete the work permit application only after the employer has submitted the offer.
Main LMIA-exempt categories
Free trade agreements
Canada's agreements, including CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP and the agreements with the United Kingdom, Korea, Chile, Colombia and Peru, allow certain professionals, technicians, traders, investors and intra-company transferees to work without an LMIA. Citizenship, occupation, credentials and the business relationship must match the agreement exactly.
Intra-company transferees
An executive, senior manager or employee with specialized knowledge transferred from a qualifying foreign company to a related Canadian business. The foreign and Canadian businesses must have a qualifying corporate relationship.
Significant benefit
For work that will bring significant social, cultural or economic benefit to Canadians or permanent residents, beyond the applicant and employer. IRCC treats it as a tool for unusual cases, requiring detailed evidence. Its guidelines were reorganized on February 24, 2026. Related codes cover entrepreneurs and certain other groups.
Francophone Mobility
For workers whose oral French (speaking and listening) is at NCLC 5 or higher, with a job outside Québec in any TEER category except primary agriculture jobs in TEER 4 and 5. These rules have applied since June 15, 2023.
International Experience Canada
Young Professionals and International Co-op are employer-specific; Working Holiday is open. Ages 18 to 35 (18 to 30 for some countries), citizens of partner countries only. Iran, Afghanistan and Türkiye are not partner countries.
Reciprocal, research and other codes
Academic exchanges, performing arts, camp counsellors, coaches and athletes, research and co-op placements, religious and charitable work, and provincial or Atlantic Immigration Program categories each have their own code and narrow conditions.
Common exemption codes
| Code | Category |
|---|---|
| C61 | Intra-company transferee starting a branch or affiliate in Canada (new office) |
| C62 | Intra-company transferee: executive, senior or functional manager at an existing Canadian business |
| C63 | Intra-company transferee: specialized knowledge worker |
| T36 | CUSMA professional (replaced T23 on December 15, 2022); CUSMA intra-company transferees use T37 and T38 |
| C16 | Francophone Mobility |
| C10 | Significant benefit, general category |
| C11 | Business owner seeking only temporary residence (see business immigration) |
| C60 | Provincial business candidate or Quebec self-employed applicant with a CSQ |
| R01, R02 | Public policy permits: R01 for policies applied inside Canada (such as the Quebec extension measure below) and R02 for policies applied outside Canada |
An exemption code only means that no LMIA is required. The officer must still be satisfied that every other work permit requirement is met, and the code must match the current instructions for that category.
Québec: the 2026 extension measure
Under a temporary measure, a Québec employer can extend the permit of a current worker without a new LMIA when the worker accepted a Québec invitation and applied for permanent selection under the skilled worker selection program (PSTQ). The job must be in Québec with the same employer.
- The worker's employer-specific permit must expire on or before December 31, 2026; or have expired after a timely extension application (maintained status); or have expired between March 13 and December 31, 2026 while the worker is out of status.
- The employer submits only an offer of employment, selects the fee exemption (no $230 fee), uses exemption code R01 and enters PPTR2PRQC2026 in the job title field. In the Employer Portal the employer uploads a letter explaining the Québec exemption.
- If approved, the worker may keep working for that employer for up to 12 months. The worker must apply on or before December 31, 2026.
A spouse or common-law partner included in the worker's permanent selection application may be eligible for an open work permit; dependent children are not eligible under this measure. See the spousal and family permits guide.
The worker's side: proving the exemption and the job
- Fit the exemptionProvide the evidence the code requires: for example, proof of citizenship and qualifying credentials under a trade agreement, proof of the corporate relationship and prior employment for a transferee, or language results for Francophone Mobility.
- Fit the jobProve you can do the work: education, experience, licences and language ability. Officers check that the job offer is genuine; IRCC rewrote its instructions on job-offer genuineness in September 2026, with separate steps for the IMP.
- Meet general requirementsFunds, intention to leave when authorized stay ends, admissibility, and a medical exam where required (this depends on the type of work and where you lived in the previous year). You also need a valid entry document, a visitor visa or an eTA, and any exit documents your home country requires.
- Use the right application routeMost workers apply online from outside Canada. In-Canada applications are open only to listed groups, such as people who already hold a valid work or study permit or CUSMA professionals. Port of entry applications are limited to visa-exempt travellers. If you apply from outside Canada and are approved, you receive a port of entry letter of introduction and a border services officer issues the permit on arrival if you are still eligible. If you apply from inside Canada, an approved permit is mailed to you and there is no port of entry letter. A worker who leaves Canada on maintained status cannot work again until the new application is approved.
Documents
- Form and identityIMM 1295 from outside Canada or IMM 5710 inside Canada, passport copy, photo and the personalized checklist.
- Employment documentsThe employment contract and the offer of employment number.
- Proof you fit the jobA letter from your current employer, references, proof of past work, proof you meet the job requirements, and a résumé.
- Proof of the exemptionWhatever the exemption code requires, with certified translations of any document not in English or French.
Fees
| Item | Fee (CAD) | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Employer compliance fee | $230 | Employer (unless exempt) |
| Work permit | $155 | Worker |
| International Experience Canada participation | $184.75 | IEC participant |
| Biometrics, if required | $85 per person; $170 maximum per family | Applicant |
Amounts are from IRCC's fee list (modified September 21, 2026).
Employer obligations after hiring
Keep the promise
Pay the wage and provide the working conditions set out in the offer. Abuse of workers, reprisals and improper recruitment fees are among IRCC's listed reasons for non-compliance.
Inspections
IRCC can inspect employers and ask for documents. Failing to keep records for six years or to cooperate with an inspection is a ground for non-compliance.
Consequences
Non-compliance can lead to warning letters, administrative monetary penalties, a ban from hiring temporary workers and publication on IRCC's list of non-compliant employers.
Changes
A significant change to duties, wage or location may require a new offer and a new permit. Employers can report issues through voluntary disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Is an LMIA-exempt permit faster or easier than an LMIA-based one?
It removes the ESDC step, but the worker must still prove the exemption fits exactly. A weak or wrong exemption is a common reason for refusal.
Can my employer ask me to pay the $230 compliance fee?
The compliance fee is the employer's fee, paid when the employer submits the offer in the Employer Portal.
I am an Iranian citizen. Can I use International Experience Canada?
No. IEC is open only to citizens of partner countries, and Iran is not one of them.
My employer says I will hold an open work permit. Does the employer still need to submit an offer?
No. Employers do not submit an offer of employment or pay the compliance fee for workers who will hold an open work permit.
Do I need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for an LMIA-exempt job in Québec?
IRCC's document list for LMIA-exempt jobs asks for the employment contract and the offer of employment number, not a CAQ. A CAQ is required for LMIA-based paid jobs in Québec of more than 30 days. If your situation is unusual, confirm with Québec's immigration ministry before you apply.
Can I reuse my offer of employment number for a renewal?
No. Each number can be used for one application only; the employer must submit a new offer for a new application.
Official sources
- IRCC: International Mobility Program
- IRCC: How to hire a worker through the IMP
- IRCC: Who you can hire through the IMP
- IRCC: Find out if you need an LMIA
- IRCC: LMIA exemption codes
- IRCC: Employer compliance fee exemptions
- IRCC: Significant benefit guidelines (C10)
- IRCC: Significant benefit update (February 2026)
- IRCC: Francophone Mobility eligibility
- IRCC: International Experience Canada eligibility
- IRCC: Quebec work permit extension without an LMIA
- IRCC: Forms and documents (outside Canada)
- IRCC: Updated instructions on genuine job offers (September 2026)
- IRCC: Employers who have been non-compliant
- IRCC: Fee list
This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.