On January 12, 2022, the government of Canada updated the terms for the open work permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP) on January 12, 2022.
The title of the government website has been changed from "Open work permit" to "Open work permit - General processing and issuance" to make the instructions more clear.
In addition, IRCC added new instructions, clarifying that “the open work permit holder fee cannot be charged for open work permits issued under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).”
The new format also makes it easier to find needed information on the website. An open work permit can only be issued to a foreign national who qualifies for one of the LMIA exemptions. An open work permit allows a person to work for any employer for a particular period of time. However, an open restricted permit may restrict the occupation or location but not the employer.
A foreign national may apply for an open work permit outside Canada, at a port of entry or after arrival to Canada, as per program requirements. There are 2 types of open work permits. These are unrestricted and restricted open work permit.
Work permits can be issued to eligible applicants who have passed an immigration medical examination (IME) with a result of M1, M2, or M3 (medical examination passed), or who have failed the medical examination due to excessive demand concerns (M5) but satisfy the requirements of section R206 or paragraph R207(c) or (d).