International Mobility Programs (IMP)

canada-jobsOn June 20th, 2014, the Ministry of Employment Social Development and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada made a number of significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), as their joint programs to minister between them. It is important to note that the framework of TFWP has shifted so that all foreign workers under TFWP require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – formerly known as Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

All foreign workers who do not require LMIA are now under the new International Mobility Programs (IMP), administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The main objective of IMP is to advance Canada’s broad economic and cultural national interest.

One of the new items is an application fee, called a “Compliance Fee,” of $230 per work permit, for all employers hiring LMIA-exempt foreign workers – both employer-specific AND open work permits. This change will be implemented in summer 2015.

Another new fee being introduced is a “Privilege Fee” of $100 on all holders of open work permits, including International Experience Canada, Post-Graduate Work Permit, or Open Bridge Work Permit. This fee will also be implemented in summer 2015.

Another expected change is that all employers hiring LMIA-exempt foreign workers must submit the job offer and other relevant information to CIC first before their foreign workers may apply for a work permit. Again, this change is planned to be implemented in summer 2015.

With these new fees, it is critical for both employers and foreign workers to know the updated information on the policy and legislative changes on LMIA-exempt work permits, to be flexible and to plan in advance in order to have a smooth transfer in and out of Canada.

If you have any individual questions or concerns, please contact our office for more customized consultation for your unique situation.  Please note that this posting is for general information only and is not to be considered binding or official legal counsel since situations will vary and can be complicated. The content in this post is current as of the day of entry. Due to the changing nature of Immigration law, the information in this entry may or may not still be applicable.