IRCC launches open work permit for select PNP candidates with job offers to apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada.
IRCC has introduced a temporary policy that allows eligible immigrants with pending job offers or valid work permits to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP). Moreover, this policy aims to streamline the immigration process for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates seeking work in Canada.
To qualify, applicants must have a pending job offer, a valid work permit, or a work permit expiring on or after May 7th. Additionally, they need a letter of support from their province or territory confirming their participation in the province’s immigration application process.
This policy is effective from August 11th, 2024, until December 31st, 2024. However, IRCC reserves the right to end it at any time without notice.
Who is eligible for the new Open Work Permit policy?
Under the current IRCC policy, some PNP candidates may be qualified for an open work permit (OWP) if they fulfill the following requirements:
Scenario 1: For now, the foreign national is permitted to work in Canada.
Applicants must have filed a work permit application in accordance with section 200 of the Regulations in order to be eligible under this policy. They also need to submit the following in their application:
- A letter of support from the appropriate Provincial or Territorial authority attesting to their inclusion in an Expression of Interest pool or in the application inventory process of the authority in accordance with the relevant PNP.
- A job offer letter from their present workplace.
Scenario 2: The foreign national’s work permit expired after May 7, 2024.
To qualify under this scenario, the foreign national must:
- Have Held a Previous Work Permit: They must have previously possessed a valid work permit.
- Submit Required Applications: The applicant must file:
- New Work Permit Application: An application for a new work permit under Section 200 of the Regulations.
- Temporary Resident Status Application: An application for an extension or restoration of their temporary resident status under Section 181 or 182 of the Regulations.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Along with the applications, the applicant must submit:
- Support Letter from Provincial/Territorial Authority: A letter from the relevant provincial or territorial authority confirming their placement in an Expression of Interest pool or the authority’s application inventory process under the applicable PNP.
- Letter of Employment: A letter from their current employer verifying their employment status.
Scenario 3: The foreign national’s work permit, issued under paragraph 186(u) of the Regulations, was valid as of May 7, 2024, and they have an ongoing application for an extension.
To qualify under this scenario, the foreign national must:
- Meet General Criteria: In addition to having a current work permit application and a previously valid work permit, they must fulfill the following requirements.
- Submit Required Applications: The applicant must file:
- New Work Permit Application: An application for a new work permit under Section 200 of the Regulations.
- Temporary Resident Status Application: An application for an extension of their temporary resident status in Canada under Section 181 of the Regulations.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Along with the applications, the applicant must submit:
- Support Letter from Provincial/Territorial Authority: A letter from the relevant provincial or territorial authority that has an agreement with IRCC. Also they confirming their placement in an Expression of Interest pool or the authority’s application inventory process under the applicable PNP.
- Letter of Employment: A letter from their current employer verifying their employment status.
IRCC’s Open Work Permit Policy – A Strategic Move to Boost Economic Growth
The Canadian IRCC aims to balance the nation’s population between temporary and permanent residents by bolstering the PNPs of provinces and territories. As well as these programs enable eligible temporary residents—those currently holding work or study permits in Canada—to apply for permanent residency.
Moreover, the IRCC believes that many of these temporary residents have already demonstrated their economic contributions and established strong ties within their communities. By supporting their transition to permanent status, the agency seeks to retain skilled workers who are actively contributing to Canada’s labor market. Also, this approach provides these individuals with a direct pathway to permanent residency.
