Canada Expands Work Permit Options for PNP Candidates
IRCC Extends Open Work Permits for Provincial Nominee Candidates
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a policy allowing provincial nominee candidates to apply for open work permits (OWPs) valid for up to two years. This is a temporary measure to help foreign nationals working in Canada gain more flexibility.
Who Can Apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP)?
To qualify, applicants need:
- A valid profile in a provincial or territorial Expression of Interest (EOI) pool.
- A support letter from the province or territory they are working in.
- One of the following:
- Situation 1: You have a current work permit.
- Situation 2: Your work permit expired after May 7, 2024, and you’ve applied for an extension or restoration.
- Situation 3: You maintained status with a pending work permit extension application.
Which Provinces Have Signed on to This Policy?
Three provinces have joined this program:
- Alberta (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program)
- Manitoba (Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program)
- Yukon (Yukon Nominee Program)
How to Apply for an Open Work Permit
Step-by-Step Guide:
1) Gather Required Documents:
- A valid passport and letter of employment.
- A support letter from your province/territory.
- A copy of your current work permit (if applicable).
2) Create or Sign In to an IRCC Account:
- This account is necessary to submit your application and pay fees.
3) Follow the Instruction Guide:
- This will help you fill out your application correctly.
4) Pay Fees:
- Be prepared to pay the necessary fees for processing your application.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Work experience | - Six months of recent, relevant work; OR - A credential of at least six months of related home care training. |
| Language proficiency | CLB 4 or higher in English or French. |
| Job offer | Must have a job offer from either - A private household; OR - An organization* that directly hires full-time home care workers to provide short-term or occasional home care. |
| Education | Secondary school diploma. |
5) Upload Required Documents:
- Include a support letter from the province, your passport, and employment details.
Exemptions Under This Policy
If you’re in a situation where your work permit expired after May 7, 2024, and you’ve applied for an extension or restoration (Situation 2), you might not need to apply for status restoration within 90 days, or be disqualified for working without authorization.
Why This Policy Was Introduced
This public policy helps Canada manage its temporary resident population and supports foreign nationals who are transitioning to permanent residency through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Benefits of an Open Work Permit (OWP)
OWPs are preferred because they give you the freedom to work for any employer, in any industry across Canada, without being tied to a specific job, unlike employer-specific “closed” work permits.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
