Extended: Open Work Permit for Foreign Workers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its Open Work Permit (OWP) policy for foreign workers who have a support letter from one of the following three Canadian provinces: Alberta (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program AAIP), Manitoba (Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program MPNP), and Yukon (Yukon Nominee Program YNP).

Initially introduced last year, the policy was supposed to expire in December 2024, however, it has now been extended, offering more foreign nationals a chance to obtain a Canadian OWP.

Duration of the OWP

This extension means the OWP policy will now remain in effect until December 31, 2025, giving foreign workers in Alberta, Manitoba, and Yukon extra time to apply for the permit and extend their current work permit, if applicable.

If your application is approved, the OWP will allow you to stay and work in Canada for up to two years. However, it is important to note that you cannot apply for this work permit unless you have a support letter from either Alberta, Manitoba, or Yukon provinces.

OWP Eligibility

This OWP is intended for foreign workers involved in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and already contributing to Canada’s economy. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined on the Government of Canada’s website.

*Some key eligibility requirements for the OWP include:

• You must have a valid work permit or be on maintained status as of May 7, 2024.
• You must be in Canada with temporary resident status at the time of application.
• You need a support letter from the provincial or territorial government of Alberta, Manitoba, or Yukon, which demonstrates and proves your participation in the PNP.

Mandatory supporting documents include:

• A letter of employment (from your current employer).
• A support letter from one of the three participating provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, or Yukon).
• IMM 5707 Family Information form.
• Additional documents may be required, depending on your personal circumstances.

As mentioned in our initial article about this OWP policy, your spouse or common-law partner is also eligible to apply for an open work permit. Your dependent children, from kindergarten to grade 12, can either apply for a study permit to come to Canada or attend school without one if they are already residing in Canada. You will be able to provide additional information about your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children in the required Family Information (IMM 5707) form included with your application.

Updated Fees

With the extension of the OWP, there are also updated fees:

• $239.75 CAD for the Restoration fee;
• $155 CAD for the Work permit fee;
• $100 CAD for the Open work permit holder fee.

This extended policy is a great opportunity if you are a foreign worker in Alberta, Manitoba, or Yukon and missed your chance to apply for the OWP last year. The extension gives you more time to secure your work permit and the opportunity to obtain Canadian permanent residency in the future.

How To Apply

The application process for the Open Work Permit (OWP) can be overwhelming as it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided on the Government of Canada website. It is crucial to the success of your application that all required documents are submitted and that the application is filled out accurately (ensuring you meet all the eligibility criteria). Making an error on your application can delay your application process and potentially result in a refusal, wasting both your time and money.

To increase your chances of success, it is ideal to seek legal guidance. At Canadim, we assess your eligibility, inform you of your required documents, and ensure that your application meets all criteria for the best possible outcome. Contact us if you are interested in obtaining an Open Work Permit today.