Overview
For most LMIA-exempt, employer-specific hires under the International Mobility Program (IMP), the Canadian employer’s first immigration step is not the worker’s online form—it is the IRCC Employer Portal.
Without a correctly submitted offer of employment (and the compliance fee, when required), the worker often cannot complete a valid employer-specific IMP application.
Common situations
New LMIA-exempt hire (CUSMA, CETA, ICT, other IMP)
Employer submits the portal offer, pays the fee (unless exempt), and shares the offer number with the worker.
Extending or changing conditions for an IMP worker
A new or updated portal offer is often required when the employer/job details change or when extending under IMP rules. Confirm IRCC’s employer extension page.
Hiring someone who already holds an open work permit
Portal offer and compliance fee are generally not required for open work permit employment.
Claiming a compliance-fee exemption
Only use an exemption if IRCC’s criteria truly apply—and upload supporting proof when the portal asks. An incorrect “No, I am exempt” answer can put the application at risk.
What the portal does
| Step | Typical result |
|---|---|
| Employer creates / signs into portal | Organization profile ready |
| Offer of employment completed | Job details recorded with IRCC |
| Compliance fee paid (if required) | Fee linked to that offer |
| Submission confirmed | Offer of employment number issued |
The portal submission is not work authorization by itself. The foreign national must still obtain a work permit (or other lawful authorization).
Missing the offer number or fee can stall a work permit. Tamara can help employers and workers sequence IMP steps correctly.
Compliance fee basics
- IRCC publishes an employer compliance fee for most IMP employer-specific offers (commonly CAD $230—confirm live).
- Some employers or situations are fee-exempt; follow the portal questions and IRCC exemption guidance carefully.
- Fee payment supports IRCC’s employer compliance regime (inspections against promised wages, duties, and conditions).
What workers need from employers
Before filing, workers typically need:
- the offer of employment number
- a clear job description matching the portal offer
- any supporting letters the exemption category requires
Mismatches between the portal offer and the application package are a common processing problem.
Application sequence (employer + worker)
- Confirm LMIA-exempt category / exemption code.
- Employer completes the Employer Portal offer.
- Employer pays the compliance fee or documents a valid exemption.
- Employer gives the worker the offer number and supporting docs.
- Worker files the work permit application.
- Work starts only when authorized.
Common mistakes
- Letting the worker apply before the portal offer exists
- Wrong wages, NOC, or work location in the portal
- Claiming a fee exemption without proof
- Assuming open-work hires need a portal offer
- Treating portal submission as permission to start work
Related guides
This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Confirmed the hire is LMIA-exempt under the IMP (not TFWP/LMIA)
- Created or accessed an Employer Portal account
- Completed the offer of employment with accurate wages, duties, and location
- Paid the employer compliance fee or uploaded proof of a valid fee exemption
- Gave the worker the offer of employment number
- Kept records for possible IRCC employer compliance inspections
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Employer Portal?
- It is IRCC’s online system for employers to submit LMIA-exempt offers of employment and pay the employer compliance fee before many IMP work permit applications can be approved.
- How much is the compliance fee?
- IRCC’s published amount is commonly CAD $230 per offer unless an exemption applies. Always confirm the live fee page before payment.
- Do I need the portal for an open work permit holder?
- Generally no. If the worker already has (or will have) a valid open work permit, employers usually do not submit a portal offer or pay the compliance fee for that hire.
- What is the offer of employment number?
- A unique number generated after a successful portal submission. The foreign national needs it to complete the employer-specific LMIA-exempt work permit application.
- Can the worker pay the compliance fee?
- The compliance fee is an employer obligation under the IMP framework. IRCC’s process expects the employer to handle portal payment (subject to limited exemptions).
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
- How to hire under the International Mobility Program
- Hire through the International Mobility Program
- Employer Portal user guide
- Extend a temporary worker’s permit (employer)
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.