IRCC Introduces New Open Work Permit Option for Select PNP Candidates

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a public policy measure that enabled active participants in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to apply for open work permits.

This policy allows eligible people to get an OWP if they meet other conditions, including having a job offer and a work permit that must be valid or expired within the last 30 days (from May 7, 2024). Also, there must be a support letter from the province or territory of residence in the Expression of Interest pool or similar application inventory.

This policy came into force on August 11, 2024, and will remain operative until December 31, 2024, though, as IRCC said, it may be withdrawn at any time.

Eligibility Requirements:

PNP candidates may qualify under the following scenarios:

1. Valid Work Permit Holders

This restriction means that the candidates have to have sought a new work permit under IRPR rules and need to attach both a support letter from the provincial government and an employment letter from the current employer.

2. Expired Work Permit Holders

For others whose permits previously expired after 7 May 2024, others additional conditions are that one has to apply for a new permit and an extension to the temporary resident status, obtain support letters for the application as well as an employment confirmation.

3. Unapproved Work Permit Extensions, Approved

Applicants who are waiting for approval of their work permits or those who have already been approved for an extension will also require such a document.

Thus, the formation of this new policy is to help PNP candidates deal with Canada's immigration system.