New IRCC Work Permit Extension 2024 Policy For PNP Candidates

New IRCC Work Permit Extension 2024 Policy: Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Marc Miller, has introduced a new work permit public policy.

This policy, effective from August 11, 2024, aims to streamline the issuance of open work permits to eligible foreign nationals currently residing in Canada under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

The initiative is designed to bolster the Canadian economy by retaining skilled workers who have already demonstrated their potential to establish themselves economically and socially within the country.

Policy Overview

This new public policy, established under Section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), provides an expedited pathway for temporary residents who have received support from their provincial or territorial authorities under PNP.

The policy is specifically targeted at those who hold a valid work permit, those whose work permits have recently expired, and those who were authorized to work under paragraph 186(u) of the Regulations on May 7, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the Immigration Minister’s official policy conditions and eligibility criteria as per the policy language:

Based on public policy considerations, delegated officers may grant to a foreign national an exemption from the requirements of the Regulations identified below if the foreign national meets the following conditions:

1. The foreign national:
   1. Holds a valid work permit;
   2. Has submitted an application for a new work permit under section 200 of the Regulations; and
   3. Has provided, with the application referred to in (b),
      1. A support letter
         1. Issued by the Provincial or Territorial authority of the jurisdiction in which the foreign national resides, and that authority has signed a letter of intent with IRCC setting out its role in supporting facilitation under this public policy; and;
         2. Outlining that the foreign national has been screened by the said Provincial or Territorial authority and has been placed in an Expression of Interest pool, or is in the Provincial or Territorial authority’s application inventory process for determining eligibility, under the Provincial Nominee Program; and
      2. A letter of employment from the foreign national’s current employer; OR
2. The foreign national:
   1. Held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024 but that permit has since expired;
   2. Has submitted an application for
      1. a new work permit under section 200 of the Regulations; and
      2. an extension of their authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the Regulations, or restoration of their temporary resident status under section 182 of the Regulations; and
   3. Has provided, with the application referred to in (b),
      1. A support letter
         1. Issued by the Provincial or Territorial authority of the jurisdiction in which the foreign national resides, and that authority has signed a letter of intent with IRCC setting out its role in supporting facilitation under this public policy; and;
         2. Outlining that the foreign national has been screened by the said Provincial or Territorial authority and has been placed in an Expression of Interest pool, or is in the Provincial or Territorial authority’s application inventory process for determining eligibility, under the Provincial Nominee Program; and
   4. A letter of employment from the foreign national’s current employer; or
3. The foreign national:
   1. Was authorized to work pursuant to paragraph 186 (u) of the Regulations on May 7, 2024, and their work permit extension application remains pending or was approved;
   2. Has submitted an application for
      1. a new work permit under section 200 of the Regulations; and
      2. an extension of their authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the Regulations; and
   3. Has provided, with the application referred to in (b),
      1. A support letter
         1. Issued by the Provincial or Territorial authority of the jurisdiction in which the foreign national resides, and that authority has signed a letter of intent with IRCC setting out its role in supporting facilitation under this public policy; and;
         2. Outlining that the foreign national has been screened by the said Provincial or Territorial authority and has been placed in an Expression of Interest pool, or is in the Provincial or Territorial authority’s application inventory process for determining eligibility, under the Provincial Nominee Program; and
   4. A letter of employment from the foreign national’s current employer.

Exemptions and Admissibility

The policy allows for exemptions from specific regulatory requirements, particularly those outlined in paragraph 200(1)(c) and paragraph 200(3)(e) of the Regulations.

These exemptions are granted to eligible foreign nationals, ensuring that they can continue to work legally in Canada while awaiting the processing of their PNP application.

However, it’s important to note that all other legislative eligibility and admissibility requirements not exempted under this or another public policy still apply.

Impact and Expiration

This policy is set to expire on December 31, 2024, but it may be revoked at any time without prior notice.

The initiative is part of Canada’s broader strategy to recalibrate the temporary resident to permanent resident ratio by retaining skilled workers who are already contributing to the country’s labour market.

By offering a clearer pathway to permanent residency, the government aims to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce that is crucial for the country’s economic growth and community development.

Endnote

This new public policy marks a significant step in Canada’s ongoing efforts to support temporary residents in their journey towards permanent residency.

By facilitating access to work permits, the government is reinforcing its commitment to creating a robust and inclusive immigration system that benefits both foreign nationals and the Canadian economy.

Temporary residents who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to secure their future in Canada.

---