Program delivery update: Open work permit – General processing and issuance – International Mobility Program (IMP)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
January 19, 2026
The section titled “Submission of open work permit applications for various International Mobility Program (IMP) categories” has been updated. Various categories have been grouped by the following subtitles:
- Persons whose work permit application is not related to a path for permanent residence
- Spouses or common-law partners who are eligible to apply for an open work permit under certain free trade agreements
- Family members of temporary foreign workers
- Persons who are on a path to permanent residence but have not yet submitted an application for permanent residence
- Persons who submitted an application for permanent residence
- Family members of temporary foreign workers who are transitioning to permanent residence or who are permanent residence applicants
- Spouses of students