Open Work Permits for Foreign Nationals with Provincial Support Letters

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy to grant open work permits for foreign nationals working in specific provinces or territories that provide a support letter. This initiative, effective until December 31, 2024, is intended for foreign nationals who are actively placed in an Expression of Interest pool or other application processes under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an open work permit under this public policy, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Current or Recent Work Permit: Applicants must either hold a valid work permit, have held one that expired on or after May 7, 2024, or have specific authorization to work as of that date.
2. Employment and Support Letters:
   • Applicants need an employment letter from their current employer in a province or territory that has signed a Letter of Intent with IRCC.
   • A support letter from the provincial or territorial government is required, indicating the applicant has been screened and is in an Expression of Interest pool or similar process within the PNP.
3. Temporary Resident Status: Applicants must hold valid temporary resident status in Canada or have applied for a restoration of status at the time of application submission.

Application Process

All applications must be submitted online through the IRCC portal, with applicants selecting the option for applications under an active public policy. Required documents include:

• A copy of a valid passport.
• Family Information form (IMM 5707).
• Digital photo.
• Payment receipt for applicable fees.
• The provincial support letter.
• A copy of the current or expired work permit.
• An employment letter from the current employer.

When applying, applicants must enter specific codes based on their province:

• Manitoba: Use “MBEOI2024”
• Alberta: Use “ABEOI2024”
• Yukon: Use “YKEOI2024”

Fees

The associated fees for an open work permit under this policy include:

• Work permit processing fee: CA$155
• Restoration fee (if applicable): CA$229
• Biometric fee (if applicable): CA$85

Duration and Conditions

Work permits issued under this policy may be valid for up to two years but are not eligible for extensions. Applicants must remain compliant with any conditions tied to their current permit.

Spousal and Dependent Provisions

If the principal applicant’s open work permit application is approved, their spouse or common-law partner may also receive an open work permit. Dependent children may apply for study permits, provided they are already in Canada and one parent holds a valid work permit.

Objective of the Public Policy

This temporary policy supports Canada’s economic growth by retaining skilled workers with pathways to permanent residency through the PNP. By streamlining the work permit process, it aims to support foreign nationals in their career progression and potential transition to permanent residency.