IRCC changed some IMP codes for LMIA-exempt work permits
Adrik, a licensed immigration practitioner in Canada, is about to submit a work permit application for a client. Luckily his client is exempt from an LMIA. However, Adrik must submit a job offer via the Employer Portal on behalf of the employer. While creating the job offer, Adrik realizes IRCC has changed some IMP codes for LMIA-exempt work permits.
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What are IMP codes?
IMP stands for International Mobility Program. This program overarches every LMIA-exempt work permit. Therefore, if someone qualifies under IMP, they do not need to apply for an LMIA.
To clarify the requirements of each LMIA-exempt job offer, IRCC uses a series of codes. These codes consist of a letter followed by two digits. For example, A75 is the IMP code for Bridging Open Work Permits. The following sections list those codes that IRCC changed on December 15, 2022. If you have already received the A number for the job offer, there is no need to update the IMP code. However, you must use the new codes for IMP job offers on or after December 15, 2022.
The new IMP code for public policies under A25.2
Section 25.2 of the Immigration Act allows the Minister to consider certain exemptions under particular circumstances.
25.2 (1) The Minister may, in examining the circumstances concerning a foreign national who is inadmissible or who does not meet the requirements of this Act, grant that person permanent resident status or an exemption from any applicable criteria or obligations of this Act if the foreign national complies with any conditions imposed by the Minister and the Minister is of the opinion that it is justified by public policy considerations.
Source: CanLII
The Minister of Immigration has used this section in the past three years to allow the issuance of work permits for certain groups of applicants. IRCC used IMP code R01 for these policies. However, they kept R01 for inside-Canada applications and now use R02 for outside-Canada applications.
R204: International agreements or arrangements and the new IMP codes
Section 204 of the Regulations covers international agreements. The following IMP codes have changed under this category. Of course, I have only listed the changes.
| Subcategory | Agreement – the old IMP code | New |
| Trader | CUSMA – T21 Colombia – T21 Chile – T21 South Korea – T21 Panama – T21 Peru – T21 | T34 F10 F20 F30 F40 F50 |
| Investor | CUSMA – T22 Colombia – T22 Chile – T22 South Korea – T22 Panama – T22 Peru – T22 UK -T46 | T35 F11 F21 F31 F41 F51 F65 |
| Professional (in Colombia Professionals or Technicians) | CUSMA – T23 Colombia – T23 Chile – T23 South Korea – T23 Panama – T23 Peru – T23 UK -T43 | T36 F12 F22 F32 F42 F52 F60 |
| ICT Executive or Senior Manager | CUSMA – T24 Colombia – T24 Chile – T24 South Korea – T24 Panama – T24 Peru – T24 UK -T44 | T37 F13 F23 F33 F43 F53 F61 |
| ICT Management Trainee (in CETA, Graduate Trainee) | Colombia – T24 South Korea – T24 Panama – T24 Peru – T24 CETA – T44 CPTPP – T51 UK – T44 | F13 F34 F44 F54 T42 T54 F62 |
| ICT Specialized knowledge | CUSMA – T24 Colombia – T24 Chile – T24 South Korea – T24 Panama – T24 Peru – T24 CETA – T44 CPTPP – T51 UK – T44 | T38 F15 F24 F35 F45 F55 T41 T55 F63 |
| Spouse (in the UK for ICT only) | South Korea – T25 UK – T45 | F36 F64 |
| Contractual service suppliers (in South Korea, also Independent Professional) | UK – T47 South Korea – T23 | F66 F32 |
| Engineering Technologists and Scientific Technologists | UK – T48 | F67 |
Changed IMP codes for R205: Canadian interests
Section 205 of IRPR goes beyond international agreements. Therefore, you may find opportunities for your clients, regardless of nationality. The following table shows those IMP codes that have changed since December 15, 2022.
| Subcategory | Old | New |
| Provincial business candidates or Quebec self-employed applicants with a CSQ | C11 | C60 |
| Intra-company transferee (ICT) – Executive, Senior or Functional manager | C12 | C62 |
| ICT – Specialized knowledge | C12 | C63 |
| ICT – employees starting a branch or affiliate | C12 | C61 |
| Start-up business class (SUV) permanent resident visa applicants | A75 | A77 |
| Certain Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holders currently in Quebec | A75 | A73 |
| Open work permit pilot for permanent residence applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada (SCLPC) class | A74 | |
| Residential summer camp counsellors (reciprocal only) | C20 | C24 |
| Coaches and Athletes (reciprocal only) | C20 | C26 |
| Family members of Economic PR applicants | C41 | C49 |
| Academic Award recipients | C44 | C52 |
Let us help!
Changes to the IMP Code could be confusing. If you are a licensed professional who needs my assistance, please visit my mentorship page. Of course, if you are an applicant facing issues, please either fill out the following form or book a consultation session. Alternatively, you may fill out our assessment form.
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Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor – Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
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