Beginning July 26, 2021, individuals who have applied for the recently opened pathway to permanent residence will be eligible for an open work permit while awaiting the results of their application.
What Applicants Need to Know
- An applicant’s spouse or common-law partner and dependent children 18 years or older may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit under this policy if they are also in Canada.
- Applications for the new work permit should be submitted online. Further details on how to apply will be added to IRCC’s website on July 26, 2021.
- Work permits issued under this policy will be valid until December 31, 2022.
- Those who have applied to extend their work permit before their current one has expired may maintain their status and have the authorization to work without a permit under the same conditions as the original while the new permit is being processed.
The pathway to permanent residence was opened to international students who graduated from a Canadian institution, health care workers, and those in other designated essential occupations on May 6, 2021. To qualify for the pathway, individuals must be legally working in Canada at the time of their application and maintain their temporary resident status until a decision is made on their permanent residence application.