Certain PNP Applicants Eligible for Open Work Permits under New Public Policy

Key Takeaways

• This policy helps balance the number of temporary and permanent residents by enabling eligible temporary residents to transition to permanent status.
• The policy specifically supports Provincial Nominee Program candidates who have demonstrated their ability to contribute economically and integrate into Canadian society.
• To benefit from this policy, you must provide a support letter from your province or territory, showing your participation in an Expression of Interest pool or similar process.
• This policy is temporary, effective from the date it was signed until December 31, 2024, and can be revoked at any time without prior notice.

This policy represents a significant step towards acknowledging and retaining the contributions of temporary residents, helping you transition more smoothly to permanent residency if you are already living and working in Canada.

Why This Matters:

If you’re an eligible foreign national in a participating province, this policy allows you to obtain an open work permit, giving you more flexibility and security while you wait for permanent residency. It aligns with Canada’s goal of converting temporary residents who have demonstrated their skills and abilities into permanent residents.

Eligibility Criteria for Work Permits Under This Policy

To qualify for a work permit under this temporary public policy, you must live in a participating province and meet one of the following sets of criteria:

1. If You Currently Have a Valid Work Permit:
   • You must already hold a valid work permit.
   • You must have applied for a new work permit under section 200 of the Immigration Regulations.
   • You need to provide a support letter from the province or territory where you live, showing that you are either in an Expression of Interest pool or being considered for the Provincial Nominee Program.
2. If Your Work Permit Expired on or After May 7, 2024:
   • You must have had a valid work permit as of May 7, 2024, which has since expired.
   • You must have applied for a new work permit and either requested an extension of your temporary resident status or applied to restore your status.
   • You need to provide a support letter from your provincial or territorial authority confirming your involvement in the Provincial Nominee Program, as well as a letter of employment from your current employer.
3. If You Have Applied for a Work Permit Extension:
   • You must have been authorized to work under section 186(u) of the Regulations on May 7, 2024, and have an extension application that is still pending or has been approved.
   • You must have applied for a new work permit and an extension of your authorization to remain as a temporary resident.
   • You need to provide a support letter from your provincial or territorial authority indicating your placement in an Expression of Interest pool or a similar process for the Provincial Nominee Program, along with a letter of employment from your current employer.

So far, only Alberta, Manitoba and Yukon are participating.

How To Get Your Open Work Permit

The process and eligibility for a letter of support vary from province-to-province amongst participating provinces. So far, Alberta and Manitoba are considered participating provinces.

Alberta

In Alberta, applicants for the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream who were waiting for a final decision on August 26, 2024 and whose permit had expired in 2024 and had their application declined on that basis may be eligible to receive a letter of support.

Manitoba

Eligible applicants in Manitoba looking to get a letter of support for a work permit must submit a Skilled Worker Webform.

Yukon

215 eligible workers have been identified but there is little information on how these workers can apply for this open work permit.

What Is The Difference Between This Public Policy And The Bridging Open Work Permit? 

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows PNP nominees (amongst other economic immigrants) who have applied for permanent residence, to secure an open work permit. The biggest difference between the BOWP and this public policy is that under the public policy, the applicant does not need to have applied for permanent residence. They only need to have received a provincial letter of support. 

What Is The Difference Between A Letter Of Support And A PNP Nomination? 

A Letter of Support and a PNP Nomination are both related to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada, but they serve different purposes and are issued at different stages of the process.

A PNP nomination is an official endorsement from a Canadian province or territory, indicating that the province or territory supports an application for permanent residence based on an applicant’s intention to settle there and contribute to the local economy.

A Letter of Support is a document issued by a province or territory usually (some provinces like Manitoba issue Letters of Support based on an applicant’s Expression of Interest with the province) after they have issued a nomination and allows the applicants to apply for a work permit.

What This Means for Temporary Residents in Canada

If you are a temporary resident with a valid work permit or had one that expired as of May 7, 2024, this public policy offers you an opportunity to obtain an open work permit while waiting for permanent residency. This can give you more job flexibility and stability during your transition from temporary to permanent resident status.

Next Steps:
Make sure you have all the required documentation, including support letters from provincial or territorial authorities and employment letters from your current employer, to take full advantage of this policy.

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