Canada has introduced a new open work permit for international graduates and essential workers living in the country.
Temporary residents in Canada who have already applied for the status of permanent resident can apply for an open work permit while the IRCC processes their PR application.
From 26th July onwards, the IRCC will make available the open work permit application window. So, temporary residents who have submitted applications for PR under the newly launched immigration pathways can apply for work permits.
This means that if the current work permit expires before IRCC decides on the PR application, candidates can apply for the new open work permit. Thus, they should not panic about the expiring temporary resident status.
As we know that the new PR pathways are not permanent programs like Express Entry, candidates could not apply for the work permit even when their applications were in the processing state. However, now, Canada has changed its policy and foreign workers who have applied to the new immigration programs will get a work visa. Also, the work permits issued through this policy will remain valid till 31st December 2022. This will help temporary residents to stay in the country and work for an employer.
The immigration minister of Canada, Marco Mendicino, believes that this new work permit will ensure that immigrants who have been holding “critical roles throughout the pandemic” continue delivering their impeccable services in Canada.
Check your eligibility for an open work permit
Candidates must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for the open work permit application:
- They must have submitted a PR application under one of the new immigration pathways;
- They had a work permit when they submitted their application;
- They have a work permit whose validity is about to expire within four months;
- They have a valid temporary resident status;
- They are in Canada while applying for the open work permit;
- They had a job when they applied for permanent residence;
- They fulfill the language requirements.
If you fulfill all these criteria, you are eligible to apply for an open work permit. The window will open on 26th July. Keep all your documents ready!
