Open Work Permits for TR to PR Pathway Applicants Extended and Clarified for 2026

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What changed on February 13, 2026?

On February 13, 2026, IRCC updated its program delivery instructions for open work permits issued under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway public policy. Two main changes were made:

• A new “Refusals” section was added to guide officers on how to refuse work permit applications under this public policy and what must be written in refusal notes.​
• The eligibility rules for family members applying from outside Canada were clarified, confirming that they do not need to hold temporary resident status at the time they apply.

These updates sit on top of the December 16, 2024 public policy that already extended the TR to PR open work permit option until December 31, 2026 and expanded eligibility to family members abroad.

Background: What is the TR to PR Pathway and this open work permit policy?

TR to PR Pathway in simple terms

The Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway was a limited‑time PR program announced on April 14, 2021 and launched on May 6, 2021. It allowed certain workers in Canada and international graduates—especially in essential and health‑care occupations—to apply for permanent residence from inside Canada.

There were several streams, including:

• Workers in Canada: Essential non‑healthcare (Stream B)
• Workers in Canada: Health care (Stream A)
• International Graduates from Canadian institutions
• Equivalent French‑speaking versions of the above streams

The intake caps for these streams were reached quickly, and the pathway officially closed to new PR applications on November 5, 2021, but many applications are still in processing.

Why IRCC created the open work permit policy

Because many TR to PR applicants were already working in Canada and their existing work permits were expiring, IRCC introduced a special temporary public policy on July 4, 2021 to let them get open work permits while waiting for PR.

Over time, IRCC:

• Issued a second public policy on April 21, 2022 (now expired).
• Issued a third public policy on December 16, 2024, which:
  • Continued to exempt certain PR applicants from regular work permit requirements.
  • Allowed open work permits with validity up to December 31, 2026, avoiding frequent renewals.
  • Expanded eligibility to include family members abroad to speed up family reunification.

This December 2024 policy replaces the previous public policies and applies retroactively to pending applications filed under the earlier July 2021 and April 2022 policies, as well as all new applications after the new policy took effect.

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Main policy objective: Why this update matters

The goal of this public policy is straightforward:

• Keep TR to PR applicants working in Canada legally while their PR applications are being processed.
• Allow eligible family members, whether in Canada or abroad, to receive open work permits so families can work and stay together during processing.

This helps to:

• Reduce gaps in status and work authorization.
• Give employers more stability.
• Support family reunification and reduce stress for applicants who might otherwise lose status or income.

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Eligibility: Principal TR to PR applicants

To qualify for an open work permit under this public policy, the principal applicant must meet all of the following core conditions.

Status and timing

• Have temporary resident status in Canada (including maintained status) or be eligible to restore their status at the time they apply for the work permit.​
• If they already hold a work permit, it must be valid for 4 months or less when they apply under this public policy.

How to apply

• They must submit their open work permit application online through an IRCC Secure Account (MyAccount / MyCIC).
• They must clearly indicate which TR to PR public policy stream they applied under (for example, essential non‑healthcare, health care, international graduate, French‑speaking stream).​

Requirements at the time of PR application

At the time they applied for permanent residence under the TR to PR Pathway, the foreign national must have:​

• Held legal authorization to work in Canada:
  • A valid work permit, or
  • Authorization to work under section R186 (work without a permit, such as some study‑related or exempt work), or
  • Authorization under another public policy.
• Met minimum language requirements, proven with an IRCC‑approved language test.
• Submitted a PR application under one of the relevant TR to PR public policies, and:
  • Received an IRCC confirmation email that their PR application was received and is within any applicable cap, or
  • Received a Client Support Centre letter confirming that an alternative format application (paper, Braille, large print, etc.) was accepted.​

The permanent residence application must not have been withdrawn or refused at the time the work permit application is submitted.​

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Required documents: Principal applicants

1. Proof IRCC received your PR application

Applicants must provide a copy of the automated confirmation email from IRCC that states the PR application was successfully submitted.​

This email typically includes wording such as:

• Confirmation that the PR application was submitted.
• A note that IRCC will review completeness.
• A statement that a separate Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) will follow when an officer starts reviewing.​

2. Proof of language results

Applicants must upload language test results from an approved test provider that:​

• Are not older than 2 years at the time they filed their PR application.
• Meet the minimum language level required for their stream.

Accepted English tests:​

• IELTS General Training
• CELPIP General

Accepted French tests:​

• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada

Minimum language levels by stream:​

TR to PR stream	Minimum language level
Workers in Canada: Health care	CLB/NCLC 4
Workers in Canada: Essential non‑health care	CLB/NCLC 4
International graduates from a Canadian institution	CLB/NCLC 5
French‑speaking workers in Canada (health care & non‑health care)	NCLC 4 (in French)
French‑speaking international graduates	NCLC 5 (in French)

Language proof must be uploaded in the “Client Information” slot of the online work permit application.​

3. Proof of authorized work in Canada

The foreign national must show that they were legally employed in Canada at the time they submitted their PR application.​

They must provide:

1. A confirmation of employment letter (employer reference letter) or job contract covering the period when the PR application was submitted, and
2. One of the following, depending on how they were authorized to work:
   • If authorized under R200 or R201: a copy of the work permit covering the PR submission date.
   • If exempt under R186: a visitor record or other proof of authorized work without a permit.
   • If working under a public policy interim authorization: a copy of that interim work authorization approval.​

Officers expect to find these documents in the “Client Information” field in the online file.​

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How IRCC processes TR to PR open work permit applications

Work permit validity and processing office

• Officers generally issue open work permits valid until December 31, 2026, or until the expiry of the travel document, whichever comes first.
• Applications are processed by the Immigration Operations Branch, using special coding in GCMS to identify TR to PR public policy cases.​

How applicants must fill IMM 5710 (in Canada)

For in‑Canada applicants using IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker), IRCC instructs them to:

• Box 1 – Type of work permit: select “Open Work Permit”.
• Box 4 – “Job title”: enter “TRPR pathway PP OWP”.
• Box 4 – “Brief description of duties”: enter the name of the TR to PR PR stream they applied under.

For family members applying under this policy:

• They also select “Open Work Permit”.
• In “Job title”, they enter “TRPR pathway PP OWP”.
• In “Brief description of duties”, they enter the principal applicant’s UCI (unique client identifier) instead of the stream name.​

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How officers issue the work permit in GCMS (technical but useful)

On the GCMS “Application” screen, officers follow a specific data setup.​

Principal applicants:

• Case type: 20
• Special program code: use the relevant TR to PR code (see table below)
• Province of destination: Open
• City of destination: Open
• Exemption code: R01 (A25.2 Public policy) – entered manually
• NOC: 99999 – entered manually
• Intended occupation: “TRPR pathway PP OWP”
• Employer: Open
• Duration: to December 31, 2026 or passport expiry, whichever is earlier
• Fee exemption code: P03 (open work permit holder fee)
• User remarks (mandatory): “TRPR pathway application pending decision”​

Special program codes by stream:​

Code	English stream name	French code	French stream name
CWE	Workers in Canada: Stream B (essential non‑healthcare)	TCE	Travailleurs au Canada : Volet B (essentiel excluant soins de santé)
IGR	International Graduates	DET	Diplômés étrangers
SAH	Workers in Canada: Stream A (healthcare)	EAS	Travailleurs au Canada : Soins de santé
CWEF	French‑speaking Workers in‑Canada: Stream B	TCEF	Travailleurs d’expression française au Canada : Volet B (essentiel excluant soins de santé)
IGRF	French‑speaking International Graduates	DETF	Diplômés étrangers d’expression française
SAHF	French‑speaking Workers in‑Canada: Stream A (healthcare)	EASF	Travailleurs d’expression française au Canada : Volet A (soins de santé)

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Fees and fee exemption

All applicants under this public policy must pay the standard work permit processing fee.

However:

• They are exempt from the open work permit holder fee of $100, because work permit applicants under this public policy are not referenced in subsection R303.2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.​
• If the $100 open work permit holder fee is paid by mistake, it must be refunded according to normal procedures.​

Applicants should follow the instructions on the official IRCC TR to PR open work permit page when paying and submitting their online application.​

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Eligibility: Spouses, partners and dependent children

Family members can also benefit from this open work permit public policy, which is a major improvement for family reunification.

Who counts as a “family member”?

Under subsection R1(3), family members include:​

• The spouse or common‑law partner of the principal applicant.
• A dependent child of the principal applicant or their spouse/common‑law partner.
• A dependent child of a dependent child.

Key eligibility rules for family members

To qualify for an open work permit under this public policy, family members must:

• Submit their application online through an IRCC Secure Account.
• Include the principal applicant’s UCI in the work permit application.
• Be listed as an accompanying family member in the principal applicant’s TR to PR PR application.
• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of the work permit application.
• Be a genuine family member (real, bona fide relationship, not for immigration convenience).​

If in Canada:

• They must have valid temporary resident status or be able to restore their status when they apply.​

If outside Canada (overseas):

• They apply online using the form for applicants outside Canada.
• They must satisfy all normal requirements for overseas applicants (biometrics, medicals if required, etc.).​
• Importantly, the February 13, 2026 update clarifies that they do not need Canadian temporary resident status at the time of submission if they are outside Canada.

If the principal applicant is not eligible for an open work permit under this TR to PR public policy, family members are automatically not eligible, and their work permit (and any related temporary residence) applications should be refused.​

Extra documents for family members

In addition to the regular online checklist, family members should provide:​

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, common‑law declaration, birth certificate showing parents, etc.).
• A copy of IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada) from the PR application, showing that they are included as a family member.

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Genuine relationship checks (anti‑fraud)

IRCC applies section R4 to ensure that relationships are real and not for immigration convenience.​

• A spouse or common‑law partner does not qualify if the marriage/partnership was entered into primarily to get status or if it is not genuine.​
• If an officer has doubts, they can request additional documents or information to confirm authenticity (photos, joint bills, shared leases, communication history, etc.).​

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Processing family groups: Together or separately

When applications are submitted together

• CPC‑Edmonton (CPC‑E) handles in‑Canada applications (principal and in‑Canada family) whether submitted together or separately.​
• If the principal is in Canada and family members are outside Canada, the group is triaged so that:
  • CPC‑E processes the principal applicant’s work permit.
  • Overseas family applications are referred to the appropriate migration office.​
• If the principal is eligible, CPC‑E will:
  • Approve the principal’s open work permit.
  • Add a case note to the family members’ files: “Principal applicant is eligible for an open work permit under the TR to PR pathway public policy. Referred to [migration office] for processing and final decision.”​

The officer must also add the correct ORG ID code before transferring family applications to the migration office.​

If the principal’s work permit is refused, the family members’ TR to PR open work permit applications under this policy must also be refused.​

When family applies later (separate applications)

If dependants did not apply at the same time as the principal:

• They can only apply after the principal has received their open work permit under this policy.​
• They must upload a copy of the principal’s work permit as proof of family member status or in the “Client Information” field.​
• If an overseas migration office receives an application and CPC‑E has already issued an open work permit to the principal, the migration office can make a final decision on the family’s temporary residence application.​

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Open work permit issuance for family members (GCMS details)

For eligible family members, officers enter the following in GCMS:​

• Case type: 20
• Province of destination: Open
• City of destination: Open
• Exemption code: R01 (A25.2 Public policy) – manual
• NOC: 99999 – manual
• Intended occupation: “TRPR pathway PP OWP”
• Employer: Open
• Duration: December 31, 2026, or travel document expiry, whichever is earlier
• Fee exemption code: P03 (open work permit holder fee)
• User remarks: “TRPR pathway application pending decision: family member”​

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Extensions: What if PR is still not finalized?

If a TR to PR PR application is still in processing and not finalized, foreign workers who already hold an open work permit issued under this public policy can apply for an extension.

Conditions for an extension:

• The applicant still meets all the public policy requirements.
• They apply online through their IRCC Secure Account following the same TR to PR instructions.

On the IMM 5710 form for extensions:​

• Box 1 – Type of work permit: select “Open Work Permit”.
• Box 4 – “Job title”: enter “TRPR pathway PP OWP‑EXT”.
• Box 4 – “Brief description of duties”:
  • Principal applicant: enter the name of the original TR to PR PR stream.
  • Family member: enter the principal applicant’s UCI.

The extended work permit can again be issued up to December 31, 2026, or until the passport/travel document expiry, whichever is earlier.

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New “Refusals” section: How and why applications can be refused

The February 13, 2026 update adds a detailed “Refusals” section, telling officers exactly how to document a refusal under this public policy.​

Key points:

• Officers must write clear, specific reasons in the refusal note.
• They must reference the actual documentary evidence provided by the applicant.
• Generic wording such as “I am not satisfied that the requirements have been met” is not enough.​

Example of a proper refusal reason:

• If an applicant does not have temporary resident status and cannot restore it, the officer must clearly state this fact as the specific reason the public policy eligibility is not met.​

Relationship to IRPR provisions

To benefit from this public policy, the applicant must meet its eligibility rules so that IRCC can waive certain normally applicable regulations:

• Paragraph R200(1)(c) – requirement to meet one of the descriptions for work permit issuance.
• Paragraphs R199(a)–(i) – conditions for applying for a work permit after entering Canada.

If the applicant does not meet the public policy requirements, these provisions are not waived, and the application must be refused under R200(1)(c) or R199(a)–(i).​

Even when R200(1)(c) and R199(a)–(i) are waived, the applicant must still satisfy all other applicable parts of R200.​

Example:

• Under R200(1)(b), officers must be satisfied that the applicant will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay (dual intent analysis).
• If an officer believes the applicant has no genuine work or no real intention to leave, they may refuse—but they must clearly explain their reasoning in the notes.​

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Why this update is important for TR to PR applicants

In practice, this February 2026 update means:

• Clearer rules for officers, which can reduce arbitrary refusals and inconsistent decision‑making.
• Better clarity for family members overseas, who can now rely on explicit guidance that they do not need Canadian temporary status at the time of submission.
• More predictable access to open work permits up to December 31, 2026, helping thousands of TR to PR applicants and their families maintain income, status, and stability while waiting for PR.

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