International Mobility Program: IRCC Updates Instructions for LMIA Open Work Permit

May 12, 2022 – The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada have updated the open work permit Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption categories table that aims to correctly reflect where applicants under the Open Work Permit Pilot program for permanent residence in the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class; as well as applicants in the Occupation-Restricted Open Work Permit under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot could also submit an application for the open work permit. Note that neither of the said categories can apply at the port of entry.

Under one of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemptions, an open work permit can only be issued to a foreign national. This type of work permit allows the individual to work for any employer within Canada for a specified period of time. An open restricted permit may restrict the occupation or location but it cannot restrict the employer.