Open
International Mobility Program
Hire temporary foreign workers without an LMIA
Last Update: May 29, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 26, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
The program lets employers hire temporary foreign workers without an LMIA. It supports eligible job offers, work permits, and related hiring steps for temporary workers in Canada.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 26, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring temporary foreign workers without an LMIA
- Submitting employer offers for LMIA-exempt work permits
- Extending certain employer-specific work permits
Documents Needed
- Offer of employment number
- Employment agreement or contract
- Worker passport copy
- Proof of payment of required fees
- Supporting documents for the specific work permit category
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian employers
- Foreign governments and diplomatic missions
- International organizations
- Canadian companies hiring eligible temporary foreign workers
Who is not eligible
- Employers in the public list of non-compliant employers
- Employers hiring workers for prohibited adult entertainment services
- Businesses that need an LMIA instead of an LMIA exemption
Eligible expenses
- Employer compliance fee, when required
- Work permit processing fee
- Biometric fee, if applicable
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Outside Quebec, for Francophone Mobility
- Quebec, for certain Quebec-specific public policies and exemptions
Processing and Agreement
- The employer submits the offer of employment through the Employer Portal.
- IRCC reviews the offer and the worker’s application.
- If approved, the worker applies for and receives the work permit.
- The employer must keep meeting program responsibilities after hiring.
- Non-compliance can lead to inspections and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Mobility Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the International Mobility Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the International Mobility Program?
The program lets employers hire temporary foreign workers without an LMIA. It supports eligible job offers, work permits, and related hiring steps for temporary workers in Canada.
Who is eligible for the International Mobility Program program?
To be eligible for the International Mobility Program program, you must:
LMIA-exempt hiring category
Offer submitted before application
Worker meets category rules
What expenses are eligible under International Mobility Program?
Hiring temporary foreign workers without an LMIA
Submitting employer offers for LMIA-exempt work permits
Extending certain employer-specific work permits
Who can I contact for more information about the International Mobility Program?
You can contact Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Where is the International Mobility Program available?
The International Mobility Program program is available across Canada.
Is the International Mobility Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
International Mobility Program is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the International Mobility Program?
International Mobility Program is funded by Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Immigration