News Update | PNP Candidates Can Apply for Open Work Permits

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new temporary policy allowing certain prospective candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP).

This public policy will enable eligible new immigrants to obtain an OWP, provided they have a job offer, a valid work permit, or a work permit that expires on or after May 7. These individuals must also possess a support letter from the province or territory where they reside, confirming that they have been placed in the pool of candidates for consideration or are part of other application list processes following a preliminary assessment.

This new temporary policy came into effect on August 11, 2024, and will remain in place until December 31, 2024, although the IRCC noted that the policy may be “revoked at any time without prior notice.”

Under this new policy, certain PNP candidates may apply for an OWP if they meet any of the following conditions: Note: The term “Regulation” below refers to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations of Canada, available at the end of the “Read the Full Article” section.

1. Foreign Nationals Currently Holding a Valid Work Permit

In addition to holding a valid work permit, foreign nationals must meet the following conditions to be eligible under this policy:

1. They have submitted a new work permit application under Section 200 of the Regulations;

2. They have provided the following documents: A support letter issued by the relevant provincial or territorial authorities that have an agreement with the IRCC, confirming that the individual has been placed in the pool of candidates for consideration or is part of the application list process under the relevant PNP; A letter of employment from their current employer.

2. Foreign Nationals Whose Work Permits Expired on May 7, 2024

In addition to previously holding a valid work permit, foreign nationals must meet the following conditions to be eligible under this policy:

1. They have submitted: A new work permit application under Section 200 of the Regulations; An application to extend their temporary resident status in Canada under Section 181 or restore their temporary resident status under Section 182;

2. They have provided the following documents: A support letter from the relevant provincial or territorial authorities that have an agreement with the IRCC, confirming that they have been placed in the pool of candidates for consideration or are part of the application list process under the relevant PNP; A letter of employment from their current employer.

3. Foreign Nationals Who Held a Work Permit on May 7 and Are Currently Awaiting Renewal or Have Received Approval

In addition to previously holding a valid work permit and applying for a new one, foreign nationals must:

1. Have submitted: A new work permit application under Section 200 of the Regulations; An application to extend their temporary resident status in Canada under Section 181;

2. Have provided the following documents: A support letter from the relevant provincial or territorial authorities that have an agreement with the IRCC, confirming that they have been placed in the pool of candidates for consideration or are part of the application list process under the relevant PNP; A letter of employment from their current employer.

Why This Policy Is Being Implemented

The IRCC aims to adjust the balance between temporary residents (those holding work or study permits) and permanent residents by helping provinces and territories transition eligible temporary residents through the PNP. Many of the candidates in these programs are already temporary residents of Canada, using this status to demonstrate their economic potential and establish community ties.

The department hopes this approach will help retain skilled workers who are already meeting Canada’s key labor market needs and provide them with a clearer pathway to permanent residency.

Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) plays a pivotal role in Canada’s immigration system, offering a pathway for provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a specific province. Each province and territory (except Quebec) operates its own PNP, designed to meet its unique labor market and economic needs. PNPs often target skilled workers, business owners, or individuals with specific experience in industries experiencing labor shortages.

To be nominated under a PNP, candidates typically need to have skills, education, and work experience that will contribute to the economy of that province or territory. The PNP also allows provinces to address their specific demographic challenges by attracting individuals who are likely to stay in the region for the long term.

Once nominated by a province or territory, applicants can apply for Canadian permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Some candidates may also be eligible for fast-track processing through the Express Entry system, which aligns with certain PNP streams to expedite the immigration process.

The introduction of the Open Work Permit policy for PNP candidates is a significant step in allowing skilled individuals to contribute to Canada’s workforce while they await permanent residency, helping to bridge the gap between temporary and permanent immigration statuses.

At Altec Global, we are dedicated to helping individuals achieve their Canadian immigration dreams, no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem. If you need immigration assistance, we encourage you to contact our team for a personalized assessment.