Comparing the International Mobility Program to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

For foreign nationals looking to work in Canada, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) are two popular options. These programs both support Canada's economic growth, but they have different goals and eligibility requirements. In this article, we will compare the TFWP and the IMP to help you understand the key differences between these two programs.

 

Key differences between IMP and TFWP

The main goal of the TFWP is to help Canadian employers address labour shortages by allowing them to hire foreign nationals when there are no suitable Canadians available for the job. This program is designed to support Canadian employers and give Canadians the first opportunity to apply for vacant employment positions. The TFWP does not provide reciprocal benefits to Canadians abroad, unlike the IMP, which aims to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties between Canada and the global community.

The TFWP requires employers to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application. The LMIA is a document that demonstrates that the hiring of foreign employees will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour force. The TFWP is administered by both Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The IMP, on the other hand, is administered solely by IRCC and is designed to promote Canada's economic, social, and cultural policy objectives. It allows foreign workers to enter Canada to strengthen ties with other countries and promote arts, culture, sports, and religion in Canada. The IMP also provides reciprocal benefits to Canadians abroad, as it is based on multilateral and bilateral agreements with other countries such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Unlike the TFWP, the IMP does not require an LMIA for applicants. Work permits under the IMP can be either employer-specific or "open", meaning that they are not tied to a specific employer. The IMP does not use wages to determine program requirements, unlike the TFWP which streams applicants based on the wage offered.

In terms of eligibility, the TFWP is open to all occupations, but the requirements for each stream (based on the wage offered) may vary. The IMP, on the other hand, is only open to certain occupations and is based on international agreements with specific countries.

Both the TFWP and the IMP offer work permits that are valid for a specific period of time. The TFWP allows for work permits of up to four years, while the IMP allows for work permits of up to five years.

In conclusion, the TFWP and the IMP are two popular options for foreign nationals looking to work in Canada. While both programs aim to support Canada's economic growth, they have different goals and eligibility requirements. The TFWP is geared towards addressing labour shortages in specific industries and regions in Canada, while the IMP aims to promote Canada's economic, social, and cultural policy objectives and strengthen ties with other countries. Understanding the key differences between these two programs can help you determine which one is the best fit for you.

 

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