In a recent development, IRCC has extended its temporary public policy, allowing applicants of the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway to continue receiving longer Open Work Permits (OWPs) while their permanent residency applications are processed.
This extension, now valid until December 31, 2026, also benefits principal applicants’ spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, enabling them to apply for OWPs.
Eligibility Criteria for Principal Applicants:
- Status: Must have valid temporary resident status (including maintained status) or be eligible for restoration.
- Work Permit Validity: If holding a work permit, it should have less than 4 months’ validity at the time of application.
- Application Submission: Must apply online through an IRCC secure account, specifying the PR public policy initially applied under the TR to PR pathway.
- Legal Authorization and Language Proficiency: At the time of PR application submission, must have had legal work authorization and meet the required language proficiency levels.
- Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR): Must have received an AOR from IRCC confirming the PR application is in process and within the program’s cap.
- Active Application: The PR application must be active; withdrawn or rejected applications are ineligible.
Eligibility Criteria for Family Members:
- Application Submission: Must apply online via an IRCC Secure Account, including the principal applicant’s Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
- Residency Status: Must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status at the time of application.
- Relationship to Principal Applicant: Must be a genuine spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child (under 22 years and not married or in a common-law relationship). Dependent children over 22 may qualify if financially dependent due to a mental or physical condition.
- Inclusion in PR Application: Must have been listed as an accompanying family member in the principal applicant’s PR application.
Application Fees:
Applicants must pay the work permit processing fee but are exempt from the usual open work permit holder fee.
This policy extension provides significant relief to TR to PR applicants and their families. This has ensured them they can maintain their employment status in Canada while awaiting the outcome of their permanent residency applications.
