PGWP vs IMP Work Permit: which Canadian visa is right for you?
Two open or LMIA-exempt work permits: the Post-Graduation Work Permit for recent Canadian graduates, and the International Mobility Program for transfers, treaty and youth workers.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (International Mobility Program) (IMP Work Permit) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Graduates of eligible Canadian programs who want Canadian work experience after studying. | Foreign workers whose job is LMIA-exempt under trade deals or Canadian-interest categories. |
| Government cost | ~CA$255 (CA$155 work permit + CA$100 open work permit holder fee) | ~CA$155 (employer pays a CA$230 compliance fee) |
| Processing time | ~3-4 months (inside Canada) | ~2 months (varies by category) |
| Length of stay | From 8 months up to 3 years, based on the programme length | Varies by category (often 1-3 years) |
| Where to apply | Online from inside Canada (or outside in some cases) | Online; from outside or inside Canada (some at a port of entry) |
| Work rights | Open work permit (work for almost any employer) | Employer-specific or open, depending on the category |
| Pathway to PR | Canadian work experience on a PGWP is a key route to PR via the CEC or a PNP. | Skilled IMP work builds CEC experience and CRS points toward Express Entry PR. |
Which is right for you?
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Graduates of eligible Canadian programs who want Canadian work experience after studying.
Full PGWP 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, PGWP or IMP Work Permit?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (International Mobility Program) (IMP Work Permit) is the lowest at ~CA$155 (employer pays a CA$230 compliance fee). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, PGWP or IMP Work Permit?
Indicatively LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (International Mobility Program) (IMP Work Permit) is the quickest at ~2 months (varies by category). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between PGWP and IMP Work Permit?
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is for graduates of eligible Canadian programs who want Canadian work experience after studying. 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.