Canada Extends Open Work Permit Option for Eligible PNP Nominees Until December 2026
Date Posted:June 25, 2026
Last Updated:June 25, 2026
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.
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.
Reviewed by
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in the USA, worked for six years as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency in New York, involved in the planning and development of travel products. Concurrently attended the MBA program at the City University of New York. Returned to Japan and worked as a manager at the visa centre of the same travel company, primarily handling foreign nationality clients and managing various visa applications from around the world. Immigrated to Canada in 2005 as a skilled worker. Completed the Immigration Consultant Program at the University of British Columbia and obtained the qualification of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Specializes in consulting for permanent residence and short-term visas (work, study, temporary stay, etc.) in Canada. Adheres to the motto, 'Every person has the potential to obtain Canadian permanent residence,' and is skilled in proposing the best permanent residence scenarios for individual clients, based on a wide range of visa information. A regular member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, as well as the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants. Active as a supervisor of visa-related information and a seminar lecturer in various media and the Japanese community in Canada. As a president of Kiyukai (Vancouver Japanese Business Association), she supports Japanese entrepreneurs in BC, those who want to start their own business, and all those who work in BC. She is also a president of Visa JP Canada and Jinzai Canada.
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