Temporary Policy Extends Work Permits for Provincial Nominee Program Candidates

The Canadian government is making it easier for temporary residents to become permanent residents, especially through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Many temporary residents in Canada have already proven their ability to contribute economically and integrate into their communities. To support this transition, the government is introducing a temporary public policy to help these individuals access open work permits more easily.

This policy is designed to help skilled workers who are already meeting critical labor needs in Canada. These workers will receive support from the province or territory they reside in, making their path to permanent residency more secure.

Public Policy Details

Under this new policy, eligible foreign nationals can apply for an open work permit if they meet certain conditions. These conditions include having a job offer, holding a valid work permit (or having held one recently), and receiving a support letter from the province or territory where they live. This support letter will confirm that the individual is being considered under the Provincial Nominee Program.

The policy will allow exceptions to certain regulations for those who meet the eligibility requirements. This includes exemptions from some work permit eligibility rules and restoration requirements for those whose temporary resident status has lapsed.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an open work permit under this policy, a foreign national must:

1. Hold a valid work permit or have held one that expired on or after May 7, 2024.
   
   
2. Submit an application for a new work permit and provide a support letter from their province or territory. This letter must confirm that the applicant is being considered for the Provincial Nominee Program and is in an Expression of Interest pool or application process.
   
   
3. Provide a letter of employment from their current employer.

          The policy also covers those who were authorized to work under specific conditions on May 7, 2024, and whose work permit extension application is pending or has been approved.

Regulatory Exemptions

Eligible foreign nationals may be granted exemptions from specific regulatory requirements, such as:

• The eligibility rules for obtaining a work permit.
• The 90-day limit for restoring temporary resident status after it has been lost.
• Restrictions on issuing work permits to individuals who have engaged in unauthorized work or failed to comply with previous permit conditions.
  
  

Effective Date and Expiration

This new policy is effective immediately upon signing and applies to all relevant applications received after this date. It replaces a previous temporary policy signed on June 26, 2024, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2024, unless revoked earlier without notice.

This new policy is part of Canada's ongoing efforts to streamline the process for skilled workers to transition from temporary to permanent residency, ensuring they can continue to contribute to the country's economy while their status is being finalized.