Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended and updated the public policy for open work permits under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway.
This update allows eligible applicants and their family members to continue working in Canada while their permanent residence applications are processed.
Key Highlights
- Open Work Permits valid until: December 31, 2026
- Who benefits: Applicants under the TR to PR pathway and their eligible family members
- Purpose: Avoid unnecessary renewals and speed up family reunification
- Applies retroactively: Pending and new work permit applications are covered
Background
The original public policy was signed on July 4, 2021, to help TR to PR applicants maintain legal work status in Canada.
A replacement policy came into effect on June 6, 2022, extending the same benefits.
This new 2025 update further strengthens that framework, giving longer permit durations and broader eligibility.
What’s New in 2025
- Extended Validity
Work permits issued under this policy are now valid until December 31, 2026.
Applicants no longer need multiple renewals while waiting for permanent residence decisions. - Expanded Family Inclusion
Eligible family members abroad can now apply for open work permits.
This helps accelerate family reunification by allowing spouses and dependents to join and work in Canada sooner. - Retroactive Application
The new policy applies to:- Pending work permit applications
- New applications submitted after the policy took effect
Eligibility Requirements
Principal Applicants must:
- Hold or restore valid temporary resident status in Canada.
- Have a work permit with 4 months or less remaining when applying.
- Apply online through an IRCC Secure Account (MyCIC).
- Have submitted a permanent residence application under one of the six TR to PR streams launched in May 2021.
- Show valid language test results from an IRCC-approved testing body.
- Provide proof of authorized work at the time of PR application submission.
Language Requirements by Stream:
| Stream | Minimum Level | Test Type |
|---|---|---|
| Essential or Health Workers | CLB/NCLC 4 | English or French |
| International Graduates | CLB/NCLC 5 | English or French |
| French-speaking Workers (All) | NCLC 4–5 | French only |
Eligibility for Family Members
Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children may apply if they:
- Are listed as accompanying dependents in the principal applicant’s PR application.
- Are 18 years or older.
- Have valid temporary resident status or can restore it.
- Submit their own open work permit applications online.
- For overseas applicants, provide proof of relationship and inclusion in the PR file.
Family members abroad will have their applications processed by Canadian migration offices after the principal applicant’s permit is approved.
Required Documents
Applicants must include:
- IRCC confirmation email showing receipt of PR application.
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada).
- Proof of authorized work, such as:
- Valid work permit or visitor record.
- Employer letter or contract.
- Interim work authorization (if applicable).
Work Permit Application Notes
When filling out form IMM 5710:
- Type of permit: Open Work Permit
- Job Title: TRPR pathway PP OWP
- Description: Name of PR stream applied under
Processing Code Details:
- Case Type: 20
- Exemption Code: R01 (A25.2 Public Policy)
- NOC: 99999
- Province & City: Open
- Program Code: TRPR Pathway
- Expiry: December 31, 2026
Applicants are exempt from the open work permit holder fee ($100) but must still pay the standard processing fee.
Extension Rules
If the permanent residence application remains in process, holders of TR to PR open work permits can extend their permits until December 31, 2026 or until their passport expires, whichever is earlier.
To extend:
- Select “Open Work Permit”
- Use TRPR pathway PP OWP-EXT in the job title field
- Upload proof of previously issued TR to PR work permit
Policy Objectives
The extension supports three main goals:
- Job Continuity: Prevents work interruptions for thousands of applicants waiting for PR.
- Family Reunification: Expands access to work authorization for eligible dependents abroad.
- Administrative Efficiency: Reduces workload for renewals and improves processing consistency.
This policy update provides long-term stability for TR to PR applicants, many of whom are essential workers, healthcare professionals, and recent graduates.
By extending permits and including family members abroad, IRCC strengthens its commitment to a smoother transition to permanent residence and a more inclusive immigration system.
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