Canada Extends Open Work Permit Policy for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates Until 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the policy allowing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply for open work permits (OWPs) until December 31, 2025. This temporary public policy offers eligible foreign nationals the flexibility to work for most employers across Canada for up to two years while they transition to permanent residence.

What Is the Open Work Permit (OWP) Policy for PNP Candidates?

This policy is designed to help PNP candidates bridge the gap between temporary and permanent residency. Eligible foreign nationals can receive OWPs if they meet the criteria, including having a valid profile in a participating province or territory's Expression of Interest (EOI) pool and securing a support letter from that province or territory.

Eligibility Criteria for OWP Applicants

To qualify for an OWP under this policy, applicants must:

1. Provide Supporting Documents:
• A letter of employment from their current employer.
• A support letter from the province or territory where they live and work.
2. Meet One of These Three Situations:
• Situation 1: Valid Work Permit
  Applicants currently hold a valid work permit.
• Situation 2: Expired Work Permit + Restoration Application
  Applicants held a valid work permit as of May 7, 2024, but it has since expired. They must have applied for an extension or restoration of their status.
• Situation 3: Maintained Status + Extension Application Pending or Approved
  Applicants had maintained status on May 7, 2024, and had submitted an extension application that was either approved or remains pending.

Participating Provinces and Programs

As of now, three provinces are part of this temporary public policy and issue work permit support letters:

• Alberta: Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Manitoba: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Yukon: Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit

If you meet the eligibility requirements, follow these steps to apply for an OWP under this policy:

1. Prepare Required Documents:
• A valid passport copy.
• Family Information Form (IMM 5707).
• A digital photo.
• A provincial/territorial support letter.
• A copy of your current work permit (if applicable).
• A letter of employment from your current employer.
• If specific documents, such as an employment reference letter or contract, are not applicable, upload a page that states "not applicable."
2. Review the Instruction Guide:
• The guide explains how to fill out each section of the application form. If restoring your status, select “Restore my status as a worker” in question three of form IMM 5710.
3. Pay the Applicable Fees:
• Work permit fee: $155 CAD
• Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
• Restoration of status fee (if applicable): $239.75 CAD
4. Create or Log in to an IRCC Secure Account:
• Use this account to submit your application, pay fees, and track the status of your application.
5. Generate Your Document Checklist:
• Answer the eligibility questions in your account to get a personalized checklist.
6. Complete Application Forms:
• For the "Details of Intended Work in Canada" section:
• Select “Open Work Permit.”
• Use the appropriate provincial code for job title and description:
• Alberta: ABEOI2024
• Manitoba: MBEOI2024
• Yukon: YKEOI2024
7. Upload Documents:
• Follow your checklist to upload the required documents and submit your application.

Exemptions and Benefits

Exemptions Under This Policy

Applicants in Situation 2 may qualify for exemptions, such as:

• Not needing to restore temporary resident status within 90 days.
• Being eligible for a work permit despite unauthorized work or non-compliance with previous permit conditions.

Why Choose an Open Work Permit?

• Flexibility: Unlike employer-specific (closed) work permits, OWPs allow candidates to work for most employers across Canada.
• No Job Restrictions: OWPs are not tied to a specific employer, providing newcomers with greater employment opportunities.

Why Was This Policy Extended?

The extension supports the federal government’s efforts to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada while facilitating pathways to permanent residency. The policy also ensures that foreign nationals actively contributing to provincial economies are not left in limbo while transitioning to permanent status.

Conclusion

The extension of this OWP policy provides PNP candidates with much-needed support as they move toward permanent residency. If you’re a PNP candidate looking to benefit from this policy, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process carefully. With greater flexibility and fewer restrictions, an OWP can be your gateway to a secure and stable future in Canada.