LMIA Work Permit vs IMP Work Permit: which Canadian visa is right for you?
Two ways to get a Canadian work permit: the employer-specific LMIA route, and the LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program (e.g. intra-company transfers, treaty workers).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA / TFWP) (LMIA Work Permit) | LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (International Mobility Program) (IMP Work Permit) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Foreign workers with a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment. | Foreign workers whose job is LMIA-exempt under trade deals or Canadian-interest categories. |
| Government cost | ~CA$155 (employer pays the CA$1,000 LMIA fee) | ~CA$155 (employer pays a CA$230 compliance fee) |
| Processing time | ~2 months (outside) or ~120 days (inside Canada) | ~2 months (varies by category) |
| Length of stay | Usually tied to the job offer / LMIA (often 1-3 years) | Varies by category (often 1-3 years) |
| Where to apply | Online; from outside or inside Canada | Online; from outside or inside Canada (some at a port of entry) |
| Work rights | Employer-specific (work only for the named employer) | Employer-specific or open, depending on the category |
| Pathway to PR | Skilled LMIA work can build CEC experience and adds CRS points toward Express Entry PR. | Skilled IMP work builds CEC experience and CRS points toward Express Entry PR. |
Which is right for you?
Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA / TFWP) (LMIA Work Permit)
Foreign workers with a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Full LMIA Work Permit guide →LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (International Mobility Program) (IMP Work Permit)
Foreign workers whose job is LMIA-exempt under trade deals or Canadian-interest categories.
Full IMP Work Permit guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, LMIA Work Permit or IMP Work Permit?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA / TFWP) (LMIA Work Permit) is the lowest at ~CA$155 (employer pays the CA$1,000 LMIA fee). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, LMIA Work Permit or IMP Work Permit?
Indicatively Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA / TFWP) (LMIA Work Permit) is the quickest at ~2 months (outside) or ~120 days (inside Canada). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between LMIA Work Permit and IMP Work Permit?
Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA / TFWP) (LMIA Work Permit) is for foreign workers with a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment. LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (International Mobility Program) (IMP Work Permit) is for foreign workers whose job is LMIA-exempt under trade deals or Canadian-interest categories.