In a significant move to support immigrants, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its temporary public policy, allowing applicants transitioning from Temporary Resident (TR) to Permanent Resident (PR) to receive longer Open Work Permits (OWPs). This policy, now valid until December 31, 2026, provides much-needed relief to thousands of applicants awaiting PR decisions, ensuring continued employment opportunities for them and their families.
This blog explores the extended policy, its eligibility criteria, and its implications for TR to PR applicants and their families.
Understanding the TR to PR Pathway
The TR to PR pathway was a limited-time immigration program introduced in 2021, aimed at foreign workers with experience in essential occupations, health and healthcare services, or recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions. Although the pathway officially closed in 2021, applicants whose PR applications are still under review can now benefit from the extended OWP policy.
Key Highlights of the Extended Open Work Permit Policy
- Duration and Eligibility
- Applicants with PR applications in process who received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) can now apply for an OWP.
- The policy is extended to the principal applicants, their spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, ensuring family stability and economic participation.
- Valid Through December 2026
- The extension ensures uninterrupted work authorization for applicants as their PR applications are assessed, providing a sense of security and financial independence.
- Reduced Fees
- Applicants are exempt from paying the open-work permit holder fee, though the processing fee remains applicable.
Eligibility Criteria for Principal Applicants
To qualify for an OWP under this policy, a principal PR applicant must:
- Hold valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore it.
- Have a work permit with less than four months of validity when applying.
- Submit the OWP application online through IRCC’s secure account, referencing the specific TR to PR public policy.
- Meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 4 for essential workers, CLB 5 for international graduates).
- Provide proof of legal work authorization and valid language test results.
Eligibility for Family Members
Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children can also apply for OWPs if they meet the following conditions:
- Be in Canada at the time of application.
- Submit the application online with the principal applicant’s Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
- Be listed as accompanying family members in the principal applicant’s PR application.
- Maintain temporary resident status or be eligible to restore it.
Definition of Dependent Children
Dependent children must be under 22 years old and unmarried. Exceptions are made for children over 22 who rely on their parents due to mental or physical conditions.
Why This Policy Matters
Economic Stability
Extended OWPs allow applicants to continue contributing to the Canadian economy. According to Statistics Canada, immigrants accounted for 23% of the Canadian labor force in 2023. Policies like these ensure a steady supply of skilled workers, particularly in healthcare and essential services, which faced acute labor shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family Unity
The inclusion of spouses and dependent children under this policy fosters family stability, reducing the emotional stress often associated with long immigration processes.
Faster Integration
By allowing applicants and their families to work, the policy helps them integrate into Canadian society, paving the way for a smoother transition to permanent residency.
Challenges and Considerations
Processing Delays
IRCC’s backlog of PR applications remains a concern, with over 700,000 applications pending as of mid-2024. While the extended OWP policy addresses employment issues, applicants may still face uncertainty about their PR timelines.
Awareness and Accessibility
Not all eligible applicants may be aware of this policy. Comprehensive outreach efforts are needed to ensure immigrants and their families can benefit fully.
The extension of the TR to PR OWP policy by IRCC is a timely and crucial measure to support immigrants navigating the complex journey to permanent residency. By providing economic security and family stability, the policy reinforces Canada’s commitment to a fair and inclusive immigration system.
For those navigating the TR to PR pathway, understanding these provisions and leveraging professional guidance can make a significant difference.
