Canada Extends Open Work Permit Policy for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an extension of the temporary policy granting open work permits (OWPs) to foreign nationals under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This decision, effective until December 31, 2025, is a significant step in providing more flexibility for individuals in the PNP stream, allowing them to work freely in Canada while awaiting permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for Open Work Permits (OWP)

The key feature of this public policy is that it allows eligible foreign nationals who are candidates in the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool of participating provinces and territories to obtain an open work permit. These OWPs, which can be valid for up to two years, are designed to provide more work opportunities for individuals transitioning to permanent residence through the PNP.

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Have a valid EOI profile in the pool of a participating province or territory.
2. Receive a support letter from the respective province or territory.
3. Meet specific criteria outlined by the program.

The policy is available to individuals who fall into one of the following situations:

• Situation 1: If you hold a valid work permit.
• Situation 2: If your work permit expired after May 7, 2024, and you have applied for a work permit extension or restoration of your status.
• Situation 3: If you maintained your status by applying for an extension before May 7, 2024, and your application was either approved or still pending.

Participating Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

At present, three provinces have signed on to this public policy and are issuing work permit support letters to eligible candidates:

1. Alberta – Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
2. Manitoba – Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
3. Yukon – Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

These provinces are now able to support foreign nationals who are part of the provincial nomination process and offer them a chance to work freely across Canada while they await a decision on their permanent residency.

Exemptions and Special Provisions

The temporary public policy includes several exemptions for individuals in specific situations. For example, those who have had their work permits expired and are now in situation two may be exempt from needing to restore their temporary resident status within 90 days, a typical requirement for individuals who lose their temporary status. Additionally, individuals who may have previously worked without authorization may also benefit from this policy.

How to Obtain a Provincial Support Letter

To apply for the OWP, candidates must first obtain a support letter from one of the participating PNPs. This letter confirms their place in the EOI pool and is essential for the OWP application process. It’s important to note that each province may have different processes and requirements for issuing these letters, so it’s advisable to check with the respective provincial authorities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an Open Work Permit

If you meet the eligibility criteria, here is a step-by-step breakdown on how to apply for an OWP:

1. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documentation, including your employment letter, passport, and the support letter from your province.
2. Review the Instruction Guide: It’s important to read the detailed application instructions provided by IRCC to ensure you complete the application correctly.
3. Prepare to Pay Fees: Applicants will need to pay several fees, which can include the work permit fee ($155 CAD), open work permit holder fee ($100 CAD), and restoration of status fee ($239.75 CAD) if applicable.
4. Create or Sign In to an IRCC Account: An IRCC Secure Account is required to submit your application. You can create one on the official IRCC website.
5. Submit the Application: After ensuring you have the correct documents, complete the application form and upload the necessary files, such as your passport, family information, employment letter, and the support letter from your province.
6. Wait for Processing: Once submitted, you can track the status of your application through the IRCC Secure Account.

Additional Documents for Application

When submitting the application, be sure to include all required documents, such as:

• A copy of your valid passport.
• Family Information form (IMM 5707).
• A digital photograph.
• A letter from your current employer.
• A support letter from the province or territory where you reside and work.

Benefits of the Open Work Permit

Open work permits offer significant advantages to foreign nationals. Unlike employer-specific work permits, OWPs allow individuals to work for most employers across various industries. This flexibility provides a better work-life balance and opens up more employment opportunities across Canada.

OWPs also remove the restriction tied to a particular employer, which is a feature of closed work permits. As a result, OWPs are often more desirable for newcomers to Canada.

Why This Policy Was Introduced

The Canadian government introduced this policy to support its broader goals of managing immigration efficiently while also helping foreign nationals transition smoothly to permanent residency. By providing work permits to individuals in the PNP stream, the government is not only aiding them in their path to permanent residency but also contributing to the Canadian workforce in critical areas.

This temporary policy benefits both foreign nationals and Canada’s immigration system, as it helps reduce the number of temporary residents while simultaneously addressing labor shortages in various sectors.

Conclusion

The extension of the open work permit policy for Provincial Nominee Program candidates is a significant and welcomed development for those pursuing permanent residency in Canada. With support letters from participating provinces, eligible candidates can work freely in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residency, offering greater stability and opportunities for a successful future in the country.

For those considering applying, it’s important to stay informed about the requirements and deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!