IRCC offers open work permits to select PNP candidates

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new temporary policy that will allow certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply for an open work permit (OWP). This move is aimed at helping individuals who are on a pathway to permanent residency continue working in Canada, even if their current work permits have expired or are close to expiring.

The new policy is in effect from August 11, 2024, and will continue until December 31, 2024, but IRCC has noted that it may be revoked without notice at any time. This initiative primarily targets individuals who have received a job offer and either hold a valid work permit or have one that expired on or after May 7, 2024. A critical aspect of eligibility is that applicants must also have a support letter from the province or territory they reside in, confirming their placement in an Expression of Interest pool or an application inventory process.

The policy is designed to help prospective permanent residents transition more smoothly, ensuring they remain employed while waiting for their immigration status to be finalized. It also addresses the needs of Canada’s labour market, as many of these candidates are already contributing to essential sectors across the country.

Who Is Eligible?

This policy applies to PNP candidates under specific conditions, divided into three scenarios:

Scenario 1: Holding a Valid Work Permit

Candidates who currently have a valid work permit and meet the following conditions are eligible to apply for an OWP:

• They have submitted an application for a new work permit under Canadian immigration regulations.
• Their application includes a support letter from a Provincial or Territorial authority confirming their placement in an Expression of Interest pool or inventory process.
• They provide a letter of employment from their current employer.

Scenario 2: Expired Work Permit After May 7, 2024

Candidates whose work permits expired after May 7, 2024, can also apply, provided they:

• Submitted applications for a new work permit and restoration of their temporary resident status.
• Included a support letter from the relevant Provincial or Territorial authority and a letter of employment from their current employer.

Scenario 3: Work Permit Extension Pending or Approved

In this scenario, candidates who were authorized to work as of May 7, 2024, and have a pending or approved work permit extension can apply if they:

• Have submitted a new work permit application.
• Included the required support letter and employment letter.

These three scenarios provide different pathways for eligible individuals to secure an OWP and maintain their employment status while awaiting permanent residency.

IRCC’s Objectives

The primary goal of this temporary policy is to bridge the gap between temporary and permanent residency for skilled workers already contributing to Canada’s economy. By allowing these individuals to continue working, IRCC aims to support the country’s labour market needs, especially in sectors facing critical shortages.

Many of the individuals eligible under this policy are already living and working in Canada as temporary residents. This policy allows them to prove their economic potential and strengthen their community ties while on the path to permanent residency.

This policy represents a strategic effort by IRCC to balance the number of temporary residents and permanent residents, ensuring that Canada retains skilled workers who are vital to its economic growth. By providing a clearer pathway to permanent residency, the government is creating opportunities for these individuals to settle in Canada and contribute to its development long term.