Good News for PNP Applicants Waiting for PR in Canada
Introduction
Canada has introduced a temporary measure to help certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants who are waiting for their permanent residence (PR) applications to be processed.
As a result, eligible applicants can now apply for specific work permits even if they have not yet received their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
Why Was This Change Needed?
Normally, PNP applicants need an AOR before they can apply for certain work permits.
However, PR applications are currently taking much longer to pass the initial completeness check (R10 check). Because of these delays, many applicants could not extend their work permits and risked losing their legal work status in Canada.
Therefore, IRCC introduced this temporary solution.
What Changed on June 9, 2026?
Starting June 9, 2026, IRCC allows eligible PNP applicants in Canada to use alternative documents instead of an AOR when applying for certain work permits.
This change helps applicants continue working while waiting for their PR applications to move forward.
Who Can Benefit?
These temporary measures apply to:
- Base PNP applicants
- Express Entry-aligned PNP applicants
- Applicants who are physically present in Canada
- Applicants whose PR applications are still under processing
However, the policy does not cover applicants who apply from outside Canada.
Which Work Permits Are Included?
The temporary policy applies to the following work permits:
1. PNP Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
This permit allows PNP applicants to continue working while waiting for a final PR decision.
2. PNP Employer-Specific Work Permit
This permit allows PNP nominees with a job offer to continue working for a specific employer.
3. Spousal Open Work Permit
Eligible spouses and common-law partners of qualifying PNP applicants can also benefit from these measures.
What Can Applicants Use Instead of an AOR?
If applicants have not yet received an AOR, they can submit:
- The IRCC email confirming PR application submission
- Proof of PR application fee payment
At the same time, IRCC officers can verify the PR application through their internal systems.
However, applicants who already have an AOR must submit it.
How Does This Help Applicants?
Previously, many PNP applicants faced difficulties because they could not apply for a new work permit without an AOR.
As a result:
- Their work permits expired
- Their employment was interrupted
- Some even lost their temporary resident status
Now, applicants can submit work permit applications earlier and avoid these challenges.
Understanding Maintained Status
Maintained status allows applicants to continue working under the conditions of their current work permit while IRCC processes a new application.
However, applicants must submit the new application before their current permit expires.
With these temporary measures, more PNP applicants can access this protection.
Benefits for Spouses
The policy also supports spouses and common-law partners.
Previously, many families had to wait until the principal applicant received an AOR before applying for a spousal open work permit.
Now, eligible spouses can apply even if the principal applicant is still waiting for an AOR, provided IRCC has received the PR application.
How Long Will This Policy Last?
This temporary measure:
- Took effect on June 9, 2026
- Is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026
However, IRCC may end the policy earlier if processing conditions improve.
Similar Relief for Quebec Workers
In addition, IRCC has introduced a separate temporary policy for certain workers in Quebec.
This policy helps eligible temporary foreign workers and their spouses obtain work permits while they wait for decisions on Quebec permanent residence programs.
Like the PNP measure, this policy is also scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
What Should PNP Applicants Do Now?
If you are a PNP applicant in Canada and have not yet received your AOR:
- Check whether your work permit category qualifies.
- Keep your PR submission confirmation email and fee payment receipt ready.
- Apply before your current work permit expires.
- Submit your AOR once you receive it.
- Seek professional immigration advice if your case is complex.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this temporary policy helps PNP applicants remain legally employed while waiting for PR processing. By accepting alternative proof of PR submission, Canada is reducing the impact of AOR delays and helping applicants maintain their work status throughout the immigration process.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. 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)
