Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its temporary public policy allowing applicants of the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway to receive extended open work permits (OWPs) while their PR applications are being processed. This policy, which also benefits eligible family members of applicants, will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
About the TR to PR Pathway
The TR to PR pathway was introduced as a one-time program for essential workers, healthcare professionals, and recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions to apply for permanent residence. Although the program closed in 2021, applicants whose PR applications are still under process can benefit from this extended OWP policy.
Key Features of the Extended OWP Policy
- Eligibility for Principal Applicants
To qualify for an OWP under this policy, applicants must:
- Hold valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore it.
- Have less than four months of validity on their current work permit at the time of application (if applicable).
- Submit an online OWP application through IRCC’s secure portal.
- Provide proof of valid language test results and legal work authorization at the time of their initial PR application.
- Have received confirmation from IRCC that their PR application was submitted within the allocated caps.
Applicants must ensure their PR application has not been withdrawn or rejected prior to applying for an OWP.
- Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must meet specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) levels:
- CLB/NCLC Level 4: Essential and healthcare workers.
- CLB/NCLC Level 5: International graduates.
- French-speaking applicants must meet the same levels in French.
- Fee Waivers
Applicants must pay the work permit processing fee, but the open work permit holder fee is waived under this policy.
OWP Eligibility for Family Members
Family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of principal PR applicants, can also apply for OWPs under this policy. To qualify, family members must:
- Be in Canada at the time of application.
- Submit an OWP application online, including the principal applicant’s Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
- Have valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore it.
- Be listed as accompanying family members in the PR application.
Dependent children must meet Canada’s definition of dependency, which includes being under 22 years old or financially dependent due to a mental or physical condition.
If the principal applicant’s PR application is refused, associated work permit applications for family members will also be denied.
For expert guidance on work permits, permanent residence, and immigration options in Canada, contact Skynet Immigration for a free consultation. Let us help you achieve your goals!