Longer Open Work Permits Extended for TR to PR Pathway Applicants

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an extension of its temporary public policy that allows applicants under the TR to PR (Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident) pathway to continue receiving longer Open Work Permits (OWPs) while their applications are being processed. This policy, which also applies to the spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of applicants, will now remain in effect until December 31, 2026.

What Is the TR to PR Pathway?

The TR to PR pathway was a limited-time immigration program launched to help foreign workers with experience in essential occupations, healthcare, or recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions transition to permanent residency. Although this pathway closed in 2021, applicants still awaiting a decision on their PR applications can benefit from the extended OWP policy.

Who Can Apply for an Open Work Permit?

Eligibility for Principal PR Applicants

To be eligible for an OWP under this policy, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have valid temporary resident status (or maintained status) in Canada, or be eligible to restore their status.
• Hold a work permit that is expiring within four months when applying.
• Submit their OWP application online through an IRCC account.
• Clearly indicate which TR to PR public policy their PR application falls under.
• Have valid legal work authorization at the time of their PR application submission.
• Achieve the required language test results for their PR stream.
• Provide proof of an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC, confirming their PR application was received and accepted within the program’s cap.

Applicants whose PR applications have been withdrawn or rejected are not eligible.

Legal Work Authorization

Valid legal work authorization can include:

• A valid work permit.
• Authorization to work under a public policy.
• Authorization to work under section R186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
  
  

Language Test Requirements

Applicants must meet the following language benchmarks, depending on the stream:

Fee Exemptions

Applicants must pay the standard work permit processing fee, but the additional open-work permit holder fee is waived under this policy.

Eligibility for Family Members

Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of TR to PR applicants can also apply for OWPs if they:

• Submit their applications online via an IRCC account, including the principal applicant's Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
• Are in Canada when applying.
• Are listed as accompanying family members on the principal applicant’s PR application.
• Are 18 years or older.
• Hold valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore their status.

Dependent Child Definition

A dependent child is:

• Under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship.
• Over 22 but financially dependent on parents due to a mental or physical condition.

What Happens if a PR Application Is Rejected?

If IRCC rejects a principal applicant’s PR application, any associated work permit applications under this policy will also be refused.