Canada extends policy to give PNP candidates open work permits.

Table of Contents

1. Eligibility for Open Work Permits
2. Participating Provincial Nominee Programs
3. Exemptions to Regulations Under This Policy
4. How to Obtain a Provincial or Territorial Support Letter
5. Steps to Apply for an Open Work Permit
6. Rationale Behind the Temporary Public Policy
7. Benefits of an Open Work Permit

1. Eligibility for Open Work Permits

To qualify for an open work permit under this temporary public policy, candidates must:

1. Provide a letter of employment from their current employer.
2. Provide a support letter from the province or territory where they currently work and live.

Additionally, applicants must fall into one of the following three situations:

Situation 1: Valid Work Permit

• The candidate currently holds a valid work permit.

Situation 2: Expired Work Permit + Extension or Restoration

• The candidate held a valid work permit as of May 7, 2024, which has since expired.
• They have applied for an extension of their authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident or for restoration of temporary resident status.

Situation 3: Maintained Status + Extension Application Pending or Approved

• The candidate had maintained status as of May 7, 2024, due to an application for an extension of their work permit submitted before May 7, 2024.
• The extension application was either approved or remains pending.

2. Participating Provincial Nominee Programs

To date, three PNPs have implemented this temporary public policy and begun issuing work permit support letters:

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

3. Exemptions to Regulations Under This Policy

Candidates in Situation 2 may qualify for exemptions from:

• The requirement to apply for restoration of temporary resident status within 90 days of losing status.
• Ineligibility for a work permit due to unauthorized work or non-compliance with conditions of work authorization.

4. How to Obtain a Provincial or Territorial Support Letter

Before applying for an OWP, candidates must secure a support letter from a participating PNP. This letter confirms their inclusion in an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool under the program. The issuance of these letters varies by province and is at the discretion of provincial immigration authorities.

5. Steps to Apply for an Open Work Permit

Step 1: Ensure You Have the Required Documents

Applicants need:

• A scanner or camera to create digital copies of documents.
• A valid credit or debit card.

Step 2: Review the Instruction Guide

The instruction guide provides detailed steps for completing the application form.

Step 3: Be Aware of the Fees

The following fees apply:

Fee Type

Fee Amount

Work Permit Fee

$155 CAD

Open Work Permit Holder Fee

$100 CAD

Restoration of Status Fee

$239.75 CAD

Step 4: Create or Sign In to an IRCC Secure Account

Through this account, applicants can:

• Pay fees
• Submit applications
• Check application status

Step 5: Obtain the Correct Document Checklist

After logging in, applicants will receive a personalized document checklist.

Step 6: Complete the Application Forms

In the “Details of Intended Work in Canada” section, select Open Work Permit as the work permit type. Use the following codes for the job title and description fields:

• Alberta: ABEOI2024
• Manitoba: MBEOI2024
• Yukon: YKEOI2024

Step 7: Upload Documents

Applicants must upload:

• A copy of their valid passport
• Family Information form [IMM 5707]
• A digital photo
• A support letter from the participating PNP
• A copy of their current work permit (if applicable)
• A letter of employment from their current employer

For documents such as employment reference letters or records, upload a page stating “Not Applicable.”

6. Rationale Behind the Temporary Public Policy

This policy supports Canada’s goal of reducing the proportion of temporary residents by facilitating work status for foreign nationals transitioning to permanent residency through PNP programs.

7. Benefits of an Open Work Permit

Open work permits offer:

• Flexibility to work for most employers across Canada.
• Freedom from employer-specific restrictions tied to “closed” work permits.
• Easier transition for newcomers into Canada’s workforce.

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