Canada Extends Policy to Offer Open Work Permits to PNP Candidates

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its policy to provide open work permits (OWPs) to provincial nominee (PNP) candidates until December 31, 2025. Eligible candidates can now receive OWPs valid for up to two years.

Eligibility Requirements

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

1. Have a valid profile in an expression of interest (EOI) pool from a participating province or territory.
2. Provide a support letter from the province or territory.
3. Meet one of the following conditions:

• Situation 1: Hold a valid work permit.
• Situation 2: Have an expired work permit (as of May 7, 2024) and have applied for an extension or restoration of status.
• Situation 3: Have maintained status and applied for an extension of the work permit before May 7, 2024.

Participating PNPs

Currently, the following PNPs are issuing work permit support letters under this policy:

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

Exemptions

Candidates in Situation 2 (expired work permit and restoration application) may be exempt from:

• The requirement is to apply for restoration of temporary resident status within 90 days.
• Restrictions related to having worked without authorization or non-compliance with work permit conditions.