Canada Extends Open Work Permit Policy for PNP Candidates Until 2025

Canada has taken another step to support immigration pathways by extending the temporary public policy for open work permits (OWPs) aimed at Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that this policy will now remain active until December 31, 2025. Eligible candidates will benefit from a two-year open work permit, allowing them the flexibility to work for most employers across Canada. Here’s an in-depth look at the policy, eligibility criteria, participating provinces, and the application process.

The OWP policy was initially introduced as a temporary measure to support foreign nationals nominated under the PNPs who are awaiting the finalization of their permanent residence applications. This policy allows eligible individuals to continue working in Canada without being tied to a specific employer, providing much-needed flexibility and stability.

With the recent extension, the policy aims to streamline the transition of temporary residents to permanent residents and support the labor market by enabling skilled workers to remain employed in Canada.

To qualify for an OWP under this policy, applicants must meet specific criteria. These include:

Core Requirements:

1. Support Letter: Applicants must have a support letter from a participating province or territory.

2. Employment Documentation: Provide a letter of employment from their current employer.

   
   

Situational Eligibility:

Candidates must also fall into at least one of the following three scenarios:

• Situation 1: Valid Work Permit

  • Applicants currently hold a valid work permit.

• Situation 2: Expired Work Permit + Applied for Restoration or Extension

  • The applicant held a valid work permit as of May 7, 2024, which has since expired.

  • The applicant has applied for either:

    • An extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident.

    • Restoration of their temporary resident status.

• Situation 3: Maintained Status + Pending Extension Application

  • As of May 7, 2024, the applicant had maintained status by submitting an extension application for their work permit before that date.

  • The application for extension was either approved or remains pending.

Currently, three provinces have signed on to this temporary public policy and are issuing support letters for OWPs:

1. Alberta: Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

2. Manitoba: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

3. Yukon: Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).

Each province or territory may have its own specific processes and conditions for issuing support letters, and these are at the discretion of the respective provincial authorities.

For individuals falling under “Situation 2” (expired work permit + restoration application), the policy provides important exemptions:

• Restoration Timeframe: Applicants are exempt from the requirement to apply for restoration of temporary resident status within 90 days of losing their status.

• Authorization Issues: Candidates who worked without authorization or failed to comply with work permit conditions may still be eligible for a new work permit.

Before applying for an open work permit, candidates must secure a support letter from a participating province or territory. This letter confirms the applicant’s inclusion in an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool for a PNP under the public policy. Provincial authorities have complete discretion over issuing these letters, and their processes may vary.

It is important to note that this policy applies only to candidates under consideration for nomination and not to those who have already applied for or received a nomination.

Eligible candidates can follow these steps to apply for an open work permit under this policy:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• A valid passport.

• Family Information Form (IMM 5707).

• A digital photo.

• A support letter from the province or territory where the applicant resides and works.

• Employment letter from the current employer.

• Copy of the current work permit (if applicable).

For the following documents, IRCC advises applicants to upload a page stating “Not Applicable” if they do not apply:

• Employment reference letter.

• Employment records.

• Employment contract.

Step 2: Review the Instruction Guide

Carefully read the instruction guide provided by IRCC. This guide contains detailed explanations to help applicants accurately complete their forms.

Step 3: Create or Sign In to an IRCC Secure Account

An IRCC secure account is required to apply online. Through this account, applicants can:

• Pay applicable fees.

• Submit their application.

• Track the status of their application.

Step 4: Pay Application Fees

The following fees may apply:

• Work Permit Fee: CAD $155.

• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD $100.

• Restoration of Status Fee: CAD $239.75 (if applicable).

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

When completing the work permit application form, ensure accurate entries in the “Details of Intended Work in Canada” section:

• Box 1: Select “Open Work Permit.”

• Box 4: Enter the appropriate provincial code:

  • Alberta: ABEOI2024

  • Manitoba: MBEOI2024

  • Yukon: YKEOI2024

Step 6: Upload Documents and Submit

Upload all required documents according to the personalized checklist provided in the IRCC secure account.

Open work permits are highly sought after due to their flexibility. Unlike employer-specific work permits (commonly referred to as “closed” work permits), OWPs:

• Allow employment with most employers across industries.

• Are not tied to a specific job or employer.

• Offer a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.

The federal government introduced this policy to address labor market needs and to reduce the percentage of temporary residents relative to Canada’s overall population. By facilitating a smoother transition for foreign nationals under PNPs, the policy supports economic growth and meets immigration goals.

The extension of Canada’s open work permit policy for PNP candidates is a testament to the country’s commitment to supporting skilled workers and strengthening immigration pathways. Eligible candidates are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to continue their professional journey in Canada while awaiting permanent residency.