Canada Extends Open Work Permit Option for Eligible PNP Nominees Until December 2026
Date Posted:June 25, 2026
Last Updated:June 24, 2026
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In June 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its operational instructions regarding special open work permits available to certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominees.
The purpose of this temporary measure is to allow eligible PNP nominees to continue working in Canada while they prepare their permanent residence application or wait for their application to move forward.
Why Was This Measure Introduced?
In recent years, many permanent residence applicants have experienced delays in receiving their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC.
Normally, applicants who wish to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) must first obtain an AOR. As a result, some individuals have found themselves in a situation where their work permit was expiring before they became eligible for a BOWP.
To address this issue, IRCC introduced a temporary measure allowing certain PNP nominees to obtain an open work permit before receiving an AOR, provided they meet specific requirements.
Who May Be Eligible?
Applicants may qualify for this special open work permit if they:
- Are currently in Canada;
- Hold a valid work permit or have maintained status;
- Have been nominated by a participating province or territory under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP);
- Can provide the required support letter issued by the province or territory.
Eligibility requirements and procedures may vary depending on the province or territory that issued the nomination.
Differences Between BOWP and Special Open Work Permits
| Permit Type | Required Documentation | Target Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Standard BOWP (Bridging Open Work Permit) | Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) | Permanent residence applicants who have submitted their application and received an AOR |
| Special Open Work Permit (Current Extension Measure) | Provincial support letter | PNP nominees who have been selected but have not yet received an AOR |
How Long Will This Measure Be Available?
At this time, the temporary public policy is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
Why This Matters
For many foreign workers pursuing permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program, maintaining legal work authorization can be a major concern while waiting for immigration processing.
This temporary open work permit measure may provide an important option for eligible PNP nominees whose current work permits are approaching expiry.
However, not all nominees will qualify, and the required documentation differs from one province to another.
If you have received a provincial nomination and would like to determine whether you may be eligible for this special open work permit, please contact Shiraishi Visa JP Canada for professional guidance.
Professional Support for Work Permit Extensions and Permanent Residence Applications
If you are worried that your AOR will not arrive before your current work permit expires, or if you want to know if you can apply for this special measure under your current status, please leave it to the professionals before your work authorization expires.
At Shiraishi Visa JP Canada, our government authorized immigration consultants will accurately assess your current status and PNP progress to propose the best strategy for legally continuing your employment in Canada.
- Uncertainty regarding your AOR timeline before your temporary resident status expires
- Verification of your current eligibility for this temporary public policy
- Complete professional management of your PNP and work permit extension applications
Contact us today for a free assessment or individual counseling to secure your employment pathway in Canada.
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