The Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada), started a new temporary policy that allows some Provincial Nominee Program candidates to apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada. 

This new public policy allows newcomers to get an OWP if they possess a valid job offer, a valid work permit, or a work permit that has expired on or after May 7th. 

The Candidate should also possess a letter of support from a province or territory where they currently reside (They were included in an Expression of Interest pool or other application inventory procedure after the province or territory's preliminary assessment). 

This new policy is effective from 11 August 2024 and will remain until December 31st 2024. 

Important Note: “The IRCC has stated this policy may get revoked or withdrawn at any time without prior notice.”

Eligibility Criteria Under This New Policy 

In this new policy, candidates will become eligible for the OWP if they fulfill the following conditions. 

Condition 1: The Foreign Candidate Currently possess a valid work permit

Apart from having a valid work permit, a candidate must fulfill the following requirements to become eligible for the new policy. 

1. Candidate must have applied for a new work permit as per section 200 of the regulations;
2. Candidate must have provided the following documents along with their application: 

• A letter of support from a relevant territorial or provincial authority that has signed a contract with IRCC and verifying that, under the applicable PNP, the candidate has been placed in an Expression of Interest pool or the authority's application inventory process; and 
• Employment Letter from their current employee 

Condition 2: On May 7, the foreign candidate had a work permit, which has since expired 

Apart from holding a previous work permit, a candidate must fulfill the following requirements to qualify for this new program. 

• Submission of application for: 

1. A new work permit per Regulation 200.  
2. An extension authorisation to stay in Canada as a temporary resident under the 181 section of the regulation or refurbishment of their status under the 182 section. 

• Candidates have provided the following documents along with their application:

1. An employment letter from their current employee; 
2. A letter of support from a relevant territorial or provincial authority that has signed a contract with IRCC, confirming that they have been placed in an Expression of Interest pool or the authority's application inventory process under the applicable PNP.

Condition 3: On May 7, 2024, the foreign national received permission to work under paragraph 186 (u) of the Regulations; their application for a work permit extension is either pending or approved 

To be qualified for this policy, a foreign national must, in addition to having a work permit that was previously valid and an application for a new one that is pending, fulfil the following requirements: 

• Have filed applications for; 
• • An extension of their permission to stay in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the Regulations; 
  • A new work permit per Regulation 200.  
• Have provided the following with their application:
• • A letter of employment from their present employer; 
  • A support letter from the applicable Provincial or Territorial authority that has signed an agreement with IRCC verifying their placement in an Expression of Interest pool or the authority's application inventory process under the appropriate PNP.

Why is the Canadian Immigration Authority Pursuing this Policy?

The following information explains the IRCC's Policy Purpose: 

• Adjusting temporary residents to permanent residents in Canada.
• Assisting provinces and territories in transitioning eligible temporary residents.
• Using temporary residents to prove economic potential and build community connections.
• Aiming to retain skilled workers and provide a clear pathway to permanent residency. 

Conclusion 

The Canadian Immigration Authority (IRCC) has introduced a temporary policy allowing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada. The policy, effective on 11 August 2024 and ending on December 31st, requires a valid work permit, an expired one, and a letter of support from the current province or territory.

For more details about Canada Immigration or Open Work Permit, contact Province Immigration, the best Immigration Consultants Province Immigration in Delhi.