IRCC New Policy: Open Work Permit for Expression of Interest Applicants

Good news for applicants to Yukon, Manitoba, and Alberta that have an EOI! A new policy has been announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to facilitate the process of obtaining an open work permit (OWP) for international workers in Canada. Foreign employees who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are subject to this policy. The work visa may be issued for a maximum of two years, and the policy is in effect until December 31, 2024. In order to be eligible to apply for an open work visa under this policy, foreign workers who are currently employed in Alberta, Manitoba, or Yukon must have signed a letter of intent with the IRCC.

Who Can Apply?

Foreign nationals must either have a valid work permit or have had one that expired after May 7, 2024, and have since requested for their status to be restored in order to be eligible for this open work permit. As an alternative, candidates may also apply if their application for a work permit extension is pending or has already been granted.

A letter of employment from the applicant’s present employer in a province or territory that has ratified the letter of intent agreement with the IRCC is required. Additionally, the provincial or territory government must have sent them an OWP support letter attesting to their inclusion in the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool or another Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Status & Application Process

When a decision is made under this new procedure, applicants must still be in Canada to maintain their temporary resident status or be working to restore it. A foreign national will lose their temporary residence status and have to begin the application process anew if they depart Canada at the time of the decision. Before awarding the OWP, the IRCC will verify whether the applicant has returned to Canada or stayed.

It’s crucial to remember that under the new OWP policy, applications must be submitted online; in-person applications at the Canadian border are not recognised.

Documents

Basic documentation is needed, including a copy of their existing or expired work permit, a letter from their current employer, a digital photo taken within the last six months, a passport ID page, and a letter of support from a province or territory government. Additional documents will be needed for this application; however, since all of the documents presented are related to the applicant’s unique circumstances, the specific documents needed will be decided case-by-case.

Work Permit Validity and Fees

The open work permit may last up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first, if it is issued by December 31, 2024. The work permit’s maximum validity length of two years cannot be extended. According to the Government of Canada website, the application fees for the OWP are:

$155 for the application for a work permit

In addition to the fees required to restore your status as a worker, you will also have to pay $229 for the restoration of your status.

Biometrics (if applicable) cost $85

Spouse and Dependent Children

The spouse or common-law partner of the applicant may likewise apply for an open work visa if the applicant is granted one. Furthermore, dependent children in kindergarten through grade 12 have the option of applying for a study permission to enter Canada or, if they are currently residing here, attending school without one. Your current job status in Canada will determine your eligibility to apply for spouses and dependents.

Under this new public policy, you can apply for an OWP until December 31, 2024. Please get in touch with us if you have any queries or require assistance figuring out whether you are actually qualified to apply.

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