Canada’s Open Work Permit Extension for Temporary Residents
January 1,2025 Amritpal Kaur
Canada's immigration policies often evolve to support those striving to make the country their new home. One such policy is the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway, which helps individuals in Canada transition from temporary status to permanent residency. For those navigating this pathway, a significant update has just been made: the open work permit application deadline has been extended until December 31, 2026. This extension brings fresh opportunities for applicants and their families as they wait for their permanent residency (PR) decisions.
The Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway
The Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway is a special program designed to help people already living in Canada move from temporary status to permanent resident status. This pathway is available to various groups, such as:
Workers with recent Canadian experience in essential occupations (both healthcare and non-healthcare).
French-speaking workers in essential occupations.
Recent international graduates from Canadian institutions.
These applicants can apply for PR while they continue to live and work in Canada.
Benefit: The Open Work Permit Extension
The most recent development in the TR-PR pathway is the extension of the deadline to apply for an open work permit. The previous deadline has been moved to December 31, 2026, offering applicants more time to apply for work permits while their permanent residency applications are in progress. This means:
Stability for Workers: If you're waiting for your PR application to be processed, this extension allows you to continue working without worrying about your work permit expiring.
Flexibility: You will have the ability to work for any employer and in any occupation while waiting for your PR decision, offering flexibility during a potentially long wait.
Peace of Mind: The extension reduces the pressure to reapply for a work permit before it expires, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life in Canada.
Who Is Eligible for the Open Work Permit?
Not everyone will be eligible for the open work permit under this extension. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Current Residency in Canada: You must be living in Canada at the time of your application.
PR Application Under the TR to PR Pathway: You must have submitted an application for permanent residency under one of the designated TR-PR pathways. These include:
Workers with recent experience in essential occupations (healthcare and non-healthcare).
French-speaking workers in essential occupations.
Recent international graduates from Canadian institutions.
Authorization to Work: You must have been authorized to work in Canada when you submitted your PR application. This can be through a valid work permit, authorization to work without a permit, or another form of public policy.
Language Proficiency: You must meet the language requirements specific to the TR to PR pathway you applied under, which typically involves passing an approved language test.
Valid Immigration Status: You must either have valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore your status if it expired.
Family Members Can Apply Too
This public policy doesn't just benefit the principal applicants. Family members—such as spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children—are also eligible to apply for an open work permit, as long as they meet certain conditions:
They must be 18 or older.
They must be a dependent of the principal applicant and listed as such in the PR application.
They must either have valid temporary resident status in Canada or be eligible to restore their status if it expired.
Family members can apply for an open work permit at the same time as the principal applicant, which helps streamline the process and ensures the family can stay together and work while awaiting a PR decision.
How to Apply for an Open Work Permit
Applying for an open work permit is a straightforward process, but it must be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ensure Eligibility: Before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements outlined above.
Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the required documents, including proof of your permanent residency application and any supporting documents that show you meet the work permit criteria.
Pay the Processing Fee: There’s a processing fee of CAN$155 for the work permit application. Applicants are exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee (CAN$100).
Create an Online Account: Sign in or create an account on the IRCC website to start your application.
Complete the Application: Fill out the necessary forms and upload the required documents. Be sure to specify your job title as “TRPR pathway PP OWP” (for initial applicants) or “TRPR pathway PP OWP-EXT” (for extensions).
Submit the Application: Once your application is complete, submit it online. You will also be able to track its progress through your online account.
Important Considerations
Work Permit Duration: The work permit can be issued until December 31, 2026, or the expiry date of your passport or biometrics. Ensure that your work permit duration is requested within the allowable timeframe.
Document Checklist: After starting your application, you will receive a personalized document checklist. Follow it closely to ensure you submit the correct documents.
Family Member Applications: Family members applying at the same time should follow similar steps, but with additional details about the principal applicant’s unique client identifier (UCI).
Need Help? We’re Here for You!
If you’re unsure about the new rules or need assistance with your application, feel free to reach out to us for expert guidance. We’re here to help make your experience in Canada as smooth as possible.
Call: 647-222-6795
Email: info@zandbimmigration.ca | amritpal@zandbimmigration.ca
Book an appointment directly on our website: www.zandbimmigration.ca
Stay informed, and make the most of your opportunity in Canada!