September 8th, 2024 at 03:58 am

New Work Permits for PNP Candidates | Canada’s Latest Immigration Policy

Open work permits are being made available to a limited number of candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). With more flexibility and chances to work across Canada while their applications are being processed, this blog aims to make the move easier for people who are waiting for permanent status.

This post will discuss the implications of these changes for eligible PNP candidates and how they may affect your path to permanent residence in Canada.

Introduction

A new temporary policy has been implemented by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada that permits certain potential candidates for the province nominee program to apply for an open work permit (OWP). If qualified immigrants have a job offer, a valid work permit, or a work permit that expires on or after May 7, they will be allowed to apply for an OWP thanks to this public policy.

These people also need to have a letter of support from the Province or territory in which they now reside, attesting to the fact that the Province or territory placed them in an Expression of Interest (EOI) or other application inventory procedure following an initial evaluation. Effective August 11, 2024, this new temporary policy will last until December 31, 2024. However, the IRCC warns that it could be withdrawn at any time and without prior warning.

Who is Eligible Under This New Policy?

In light of this new policy, PNP candidates who fulfill the requirements for any of the following scenarios may be eligible to apply for an OWP. Please take note that the term “regulations” below refers to the Immigration and Refugee Protection regulations of Canada, which are available online.

Scenario 1

In addition to having a valid work permit, the foreign national also currently possesses one. For a foreign national to qualify under this policy, they must;

• Have filed a fresh work permit application under Section 200 of the regulations
• Possess submitted their application, a letter of support from the appropriate provincial or territorial authority that has a contract with the IRCC attesting to their inclusion in an Expression of Interest pool, or the application inventory procedure of the Authority under the applicable PNP.
• A job offer letter from their present workplace

Scenario 2

In addition to having a previously valid work permit, the foreign national also held a valid work permit as of May 7, 2024, which has since expired. For a foreign national to qualify under this policy, they must;

• Have filed new work permit applications following Section 200 of the requirements
• An extension of Section 181 of the regulations’ permission for them to stay in Canada as a temporary resident
• A reinstatement of their Section 182 temporary resident status
• Have submitted their application and a letter of support from the applicable provincial or territorial authority (which has an agreement with the IRCC) attesting to their inclusion in the Expression of Interest pool or the application inventory process of the Authority under the applicable PNP.
• A job offer letter from their present employer

Scenario 3

The foreign national, in addition to possessing a previously valid work permit and having an application for a new one presently in process, was granted authorization to work on May 7, 2024, per paragraph 186U of the regulations. Their work permit extension application is either pending or approved. For a foreign national to qualify under this policy, they must;

• Have filed new work permit applications per Section 200 of the requirements
• An extension of Section 181 of the regulations’ permission for them to stay in Canada as a temporary resident
• Possess a letter of support for their application from the appropriate provincial or territorial authority that has a contract with the IRCC, attesting to their inclusion in an Expression of Interest pool or the authority’s application inventory procedure under the applicable PNP.
• A job offer letter from their present workplace

To be qualified for this insurance, candidates must also fulfill the related requirements for the aforementioned requirements. Go to the IRCC website to view the complete eligibility requirements in detail.

Why IRCC is Pursuing This Policy

By assisting provinces and territories in transferring qualified temporary residents through their PNPs, the IRCC hopes to balance the proportion of temporary residents with work or study permits to permanent residents in Canada. Numerous applicants for these programs are now temporary residents of Canada, who have made the most of their time there to establish relationships in the community and demonstrate their economic potential.

According to the department, taking this strategy will help keep qualified workers who are already filling important labor market gaps in Canada and give them a more defined path to permanent residency. A major step in the right direction towards streamlining Canada’s immigration procedure is the provision of open work permit alternatives for PNP candidates.

For individuals negotiating the waiting period between nomination and permanent residency, it offers much-needed relief. This development may present new opportunities for career advancement and permanent residence in Canada for PNP candidates or those considering application. To ensure you take advantage of these new chances on your path to permanent residency, stay up to date on the most recent IRCC reforms.