IMP R01 Work Permit: Special Public Policies

An IMP R01 Work Permit allows certain foreign nationals to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This code specifically falls under special public policies issued by the Canadian government. As a result, it helps specific groups of people stay and work in Canada legally. The main category covers public policies issued under section A25.2 of the immigration laws. Because there are no basic eligibility requirements for the broad category, your eligibility depends entirely on meeting the rules of specific subcategories. In practice, this includes recent graduates from Hong Kong, Hong Kong permanent residence applicants, and specific provincial nominee candidates.

Moving to Canada requires careful planning and a solid understanding of the immigration system. Fortunately, special programs exist to make the process easier. By using these policies, you can bypass the traditional Labour Market Impact Assessment process. This saves time and provides greater flexibility for your career. However, understanding the exact rules is essential to avoid rejection. Therefore, we have compiled all the critical details to help you prepare your application correctly.

Eligibility requirements for IMP R01 Work Permit

To qualify for an IMP R01 Work Permit, you must meet the exact criteria of one of the active public policies. You cannot apply for these permits at a port of entry. You must submit your application online.

Hong Kong Recent Graduates

This pathway helps educated individuals from Hong Kong bring their skills to Canada.

• Who can qualify: You must be a Hong Kong resident. You need an HKSAR or BNO passport. Also, you must have graduated in the last 10 years. You need a post-secondary degree or diploma from a 2-year program. Alternatively, you can hold a graduate credential from a 1-year program. However, your prerequisite degree must have been earned within 5 years of starting that graduate program.
• Practical documents: Prepare a copy of your educational credentials. Include transcripts or proof of enrolment. If you studied outside Canada, include an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved agency. You will also need a copy of your passport, a CV or resume, a digital photo, and the Family Information form (IMM 5707). Since the $100 open work permit holder fee is waived, upload your payment receipt in the proof of exemption slot.

Hong Kong Permanent Residence Applicants

This option lets you keep working while your permanent residence application processes. Waiting for permanent residence can be a lengthy experience. This work permit ensures you do not lose your right to work during this waiting period. It provides stability for you and your family.

• Who can qualify: You must hold an HKSAR or BNO passport. Your permanent residence application under the Hong Kong pathways must be actively processed. It cannot be refused or withdrawn. Furthermore, you must be in Canada with a valid temporary status. If your status has expired, you must apply for restoration within 90 days. Lastly, you must have held a work or study permit for at least 3 years before applying for permanent residence.
• Practical documents: You must provide your HKSAR or BNO passport, a digital photo, and the IMM 5707 form. Provide proof of fee exemption. The $100 open work permit holder fee does not apply. When applying online, enter “HK OWP” in the job title box. Enter “HK OWP – APR applicant in Canada public policy” in the duties box.

Provincial Nominee Candidates in Manitoba, Alberta, or Yukon

This measure supports workers already contributing to specific local economies. Canada recognizes the importance of retaining skilled workers in certain regions. If you have shown a commitment to a participating province, this pathway offers you a way to maintain your employment legally.

• Who can qualify: You must hold a valid work permit. Alternatively, you must have held one on May 7, 2024, and applied for restoration. Also, you must be currently employed in Manitoba, Alberta, or Yukon. Importantly, you need a letter of support from that province or territory. This letter must show you are in their Expression of Interest pool or application inventory.
• Practical documents: Prepare the provincial support letter. Include a letter of employment from your current employer. You also need a copy of your current or expired work permit, your passport, and the IMM 5707 form. In your online application, enter a specific code in the job title box. Use “MBEOI2024” for Manitoba, “ABEOI2024” for Alberta, or “YKEOI2024” for Yukon.

Assessment Criteria

When officers review your application, they check if you strictly meet the chosen public policy. Officers follow strict guidelines to ensure every applicant meets the legal requirements. By understanding their process, you can submit a stronger application.

• Verifying status: Officers check your entry and exit records. If you apply from inside Canada, you must maintain a valid temporary status. Leaving Canada during processing can complicate your application. You might lose status when you re-enter.
• Checking education: For Hong Kong graduates, officers count back exactly 10 years from the application date. This step ensures your educational credentials are up to date and valid.
• Reviewing provincial support: For the provincial pathway, officers verify your support letter. They confirm that you work for an employer in that specific province. They also verify that the province has a valid Letter of Intent with IRCC.
• Common pitfalls: Do not apply at a border crossing. These applications must be submitted online. Do not pay the $100 open work permit holder fee if you are a Hong Kong applicant. Finally, do not let your status expire for more than 90 days before applying. Upload a blank page saying “Not applicable” for extra document slots you do not need.

Potential Duration of IMP R01 Work Permit

The length of your work permit depends heavily on the specific subcategory you apply under. Your passport expiration date also matters.

• Hong Kong Recent Graduates: The permit is generally issued for up to 3 years. You may also be eligible to extend it for another 3 years later.
• Hong Kong Permanent Residence Applicants: Officers typically issue this permit for up to 3 years. This duration covers the average processing time for permanent residence.
• Provincial Nominee Candidates: This permit is issued for up to 2 years. It may expire sooner if your passport expires first. The operational guidelines state clearly that these specific provincial permits are not eligible for extensions.

What about family members of the main applicant

Your family members may also benefit from your application. Keeping families together is a priority for the Canadian immigration system. However, the rules vary by category. Therefore, you must carefully review the requirements for your spouse and children.

• Hong Kong Recent Graduates: Your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children can apply for an open work permit. The PDI notes they use the IMP R01 Work Permit code for overseas applications. This includes dependent children who are 18 and older. Minor children can apply for a study permit. They can also study at the K-12 level without one if they are already in Canada.
• Hong Kong Permanent Residence Applicants: Your spouse and dependent children can apply for an open work permit. They must be included in your permanent residence application. They must be in Canada with a valid temporary status. Also, dependent children must be at least 18 years old to get a work permit under this specific policy.
• Provincial Nominee Candidates: If you are approved, your spouse or common-law partner can get an open work permit. They will apply under codes C41 or C47. Your dependent children can receive open work permits under codes C46 or C48.

Check Your Eligibility Instantly

Knowing your options is the first step toward your move. We have designed a self-assessment tool to simplify the complex International Mobility Program. You simply answer a few questions about your background and job offer. The AI then determines if you meet the criteria for an LMIA-Exempt Permit.

Book a consultation session

Eligibility depends heavily on specific facts and perfectly prepared documents. To secure your future in Canada, book a consultation session with Al Parsai. He is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with more than 15 years of experience. He can guide you through the complexities of the IMP.

Book your consultation here: https://www.settler.ca/book/

Bring to your consult:

• Your current passport and past work or study permits
• Any provincial support letters or job offers
• Your educational credentials and transcripts
• Details of any pending permanent residence applications

Dates

• Article written: 2026/03/15
• IRCC PDI last updated: 2024-07-05 / 2025-11-07 / 2025-12-05

Sources

• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/open-work-permit-graduate-hong-kong.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/open-work-pathways-hong-kong.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/open-work-permits-province-territory.html