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Canada is using a temporary approach to allow eligible PNP candidates to remain legally employed while their applications to become permanent residents are ongoing.
The above development is meant to assist applicants who have already applied for permanent residence but have yet to receive the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). Delays in the process have made some employees uncertain regarding their employment status as they wait for the IRCC to acknowledge their application.
To know more about the above developments, read the whole article.
Key Changes Introduced on June 9, 2026
IRCC introduced temporary measures to assist selected Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to continue their employment in Canada while their applications for permanent residency are processed.
These temporary policies allow selected applicants who have not yet received the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for their permanent residency application to apply for a special type of work permit. This policy was introduced to minimize problems that arise from the time taken for processing the application. Applicants should also ensure they continue to meet relevant PNP Canada requirements associated with their nomination stream and work permit eligibility.
The measures apply only to eligible PNP applicants already in Canada and outside‑Canada work permit applications still require an AOR. Both base PNP and Express Entry–aligned PNP applicants in Canada may qualify, depending on their work‑permit category.
Work Permit Categories Covered by the Temporary Policy
The temporary policy applies to certain work permit categories connected to permanent residence applications under the Provincial Nominee Program.
These include:
- Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) for eligible applicants.
- Certain employer-specific work permits linked to provincial nominations.
- Open work permits available to eligible spouses of qualified applicants.
Applicants must still satisfy all other eligibility requirements associated with the work permit category they are applying for.
These measures do not cover all work‑permit types; if you need a different permit category, the standard AOR rule still applies.
Alternative Documents Accepted in Place of an AOR
As most candidates applying face the problem of not getting their AOR on time, IRCC has allowed the use of other documents for proof of having submitted the permanent residence application.
The acceptable forms of proof can be:
- Confirmation from the online portal of submitting the application.
- Evidence of paying permanent residence processing fees.
- Proof that the immigration officers have the means to verify the application within IRCC’s system.
- Any other record showing that the permanent residence application was duly submitted.
It is recommended that applicants keep a copy of all the submission evidence and payment.
Once an AOR is issued, applicants must submit the AOR itself instead of alternative documents.
Reasons Behind IRCC’s Temporary Policy Changes
The main reason for the temporary policy changes is the widening gap between submitting a PR application and AOR issuance.
Several foreign workers found themselves nearing the end of their existing work permit’s validity period and were unsure whether their application had been processed.
IRCC accepts alternative proof of application submission to maintain continuity for workers and employers and to reduce administrative challenges caused by processing backlogs.
Understanding Maintained Status Under These Temporary Measures
The issue of maintaining status will remain relevant to foreign citizens whose work permits are about to expire.
When an individual applies for an extension of their work permit before their current permit expires, they are normally allowed to continue working under the same terms until their new application is decided. This concept is widely known as maintained status IRCC, where eligible individuals will be allowed to continue their stay in Canada even as their new application is being processed. Basically, maintained status means you can stay in Canada and, if eligible, keep working under the conditions of your original work permit while IRCC decides on your new application. You must apply before your current permit expires to benefit from maintained status.
The temporary PNP rules support the issuance of maintained status, as it enables eligible individuals to apply for a work permit without waiting for their AOR.
Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility Under the Updated Policy
Some spouses of eligible PNP applicants may also benefit from this temporary arrangement.
If the primary applicant is eligible for a work permit under this new arrangement, their spouse may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit, provided they meet all eligibility conditions. Candidates who wish to learn more about the SOWP Canada must be aware that they must meet IRCC’s eligibility criteria.
The eligibility conditions for spouses vary depending on the primary applicant’s work permit.
Duration and End Date of the Temporary Measures
The temporary measure went into effect on June 9, 2026
IRCC states these measures will continue until December 31, 2026. The general requirements are likely to return after this date unless they are extended or replaced with a new policy.
Applicants considering a work permit application should take advantage of the available flexibility while the measures remain active.
IRCC may change, extend, or end these measures without prior notice, so applicants should monitor updates regularly.
Temporary Relief Measures Available for Certain Quebec Workers
Alongside the PNP-focused measures, Canada has introduced separate temporary provisions for certain foreign workers residing in Quebec.
These measures are separate public policies introduced under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). They are intended for certain applicants under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and, in some cases, their eligible spouses or common-law partners. The eligibility requirements under these public policies differ from the temporary PNP work permit measures and must be assessed independently.
The aim of such programs is to help people applying for permanent residency through special immigration pathways in Quebec who face similar problems, such as delays in the process and expired work permits. Candidates researching Quebec PNP eligibility and other options should pay attention to the particularities of the process they choose.
Though the requirements for PNP candidates vary, the main goal is to help workers keep their jobs and stay legally in Canada.
Next Steps for PNP Applicants
Eligible applicants should take proactive steps to avoid interruptions to their work authorization.
Recommended actions include:
- Review the expiry date of your current work permit.
- Confirm that your permanent residence application has been successfully submitted.
- Gather proof of submission and payment records.
- Determine which work permit category applies to your situation.
- Submit your application as early as possible.
- Monitor updates from IRCC regarding policy changes or extensions.
Seeking professional immigration advice may also be beneficial for applicants with complex situations.
Conclusion
The temporary work permit measures introduced by IRCC provide much-needed flexibility for eligible Provincial Nominee Program applicants navigating lengthy processing times.
By allowing alternative proof of permanent residence application submission in place of an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), the policy helps reduce uncertainty. It supports workers in maintaining their legal status and employment in Canada.
While these measures are temporary, they offer a valuable opportunity for applicants and their families to avoid potential disruptions during the immigration process.
Stay updated on eligibility, deadlines, and IRCC updates to ensure a smooth transition to permanent residency in Canada.
If you have questions about your eligibility, work permit options, or permanent residence application, the Neximm team and our experienced RCIC experts are here to help.
Contact us at connect@neximmvisa.com or reach out to us on WhatsApp for personalized guidance and professional immigration support.
FAQs
Will these changes remain in effect permanently?
No. The measures are temporary and are currently expected to remain in effect until December 31, 2026, unless extended by IRCC.
What documents can be used instead of an AOR?
Examples may include application submission confirmations, payment receipts, and other records that allow IRCC to verify the permanent residence application.
Does this temporary policy apply to every PNP applicant?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on the specific work permit category and individual circumstances.
Can my spouse qualify for a work permit as well?
In many cases, eligible spouses or common-law partners may qualify for an open work permit if they meet the applicable requirements.
Does the temporary policy apply to applicants living outside Canada?
The temporary measures are primarily intended for eligible individuals already residing and working in Canada.