International Mobility Programs
International Mobility Program objective is to advance Canada’s broad economic and cultural national interest, it is based largely on multilateral/bilateral agreements with other countries (GATS, NAFTA, etc), it doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
This program allows the Canadian employer to hire a temporary foreign worker without a Labour Market Impact Assessment. In most cases, to hire a temporary worker through the International Mobility Program
International Mobility Program: Canadian interests – Significant Benefit – Intra-Company Transferees [R205(a)] (Exemption Code C12)
The intra-company category enables international companies to temporarily transfer qualified employees to Canada for the purpose of improving management effectiveness, expanding Canadian exports, and enhancing competitiveness in overseas markets.
The entry of intra-company transferees is guided by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the general provisions of this section and is supplemented by provisions contained in international trade agreements for citizens of signatory countries.
- Qualified intra-company transferees require work permits and are exempted from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under paragraph R205(a) (exemption code C12) as they provide significant economic benefit to Canada through the transfer of their expertise to Canadian businesses. This applies to foreign nationals from any country, including under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
- Paragraph R204(a) provides for LMIA exemption code T24 for qualified intra-company transferees who are citizens of a country that has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Canada, namely NAFTA (CUSMA) (and similar FTAs), and supplements the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act general provisions.
Intra-company transferees may apply for work permits under the general provision if they
- Are currently employed by a multi-national company and seeking entry to work in a parent, a subsidiary, a branch, or an affiliate of that enterprise.
- Are transferring to an enterprise that has a qualifying relationship with the enterprise in which they are currently employed, and will be undertaking employment at a legitimate and continuing establishment of that company
- Being transferred to a position in an executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
- Have been employed continuously by the company that plans to transfer them outside Canada in a similar full-time position (not accumulated part-time) for at least one year in the three-year period immediately preceding the date of initial application. Extensions may be granted up to the five- and seven-year maximums. Documented time spent outside Canada during the duration of the work permit can be “recaptured” to allow the intra-company transferee five or seven full years of physical presence in Canada.
- Are coming to Canada for a temporary period only
- Comply with all immigration requirements for temporary entry
Canadian Interest-Significant Benefits-Entrepreneurs/Self Employed Candidates seeking to Operate a Business [R204 (a)-C11]
This program is designed for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to apply for a work permit that does not require LMIA. This type of work permit is tailored for two types of entrepreneurs. The first group is those entrepreneurs who want a temporary entry to Canada based on their entrepreneurial plans and career. The second group seeks the C11 work permit in the context of the entrepreneurial or self-employed permanent residence program.
Whether you are looking for a temporary stay or permanent residency with your C11 entrepreneur work permit, you need to prove to the immigration officer that:
- You own a business yourself or are a self-employed individual with a viable business plan and resources.
- The business/venture/self-employed gig you run can bring considerable economic as well as social and cultural benefits for Canadian citizens.
Requirements:
- The applicant has the history and ability to set up a successful venture or they have the resources and skillset to purchase an existing Canada-based business and turn it to into a profitable entity.
- The applicant at least has 50% of the ownership of the business they buy or establish in Canada.
- The applicant has a well-thought-out business plan that is realistic and makes sense in practical settings.
- The applicant can create a set of activities that can benefit Canada and Canadians in various fields and across different walks of life.
- The applicant has done enough groundwork to establish their business/work in Canada.
