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Open Work Permits Now Available for TR to PR Applicants

Published on: July 28th, 2021

Last updated: December 13th, 2021

By: Lauren Boorman

Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that applicants awaiting a decision on their TR to PR Pathway applications are eligible to apply for an open work permit as of July 26^th, 2021. This measure will help to eliminate uncertainty for applicants whose status will expire shortly and cannot otherwise be extended.

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Who qualifies to apply for a TR to PR open work permit?

To qualify for an open work permit, candidates must have already successfully applied for permanent residence under one of the TR to PR pathways and received email confirmation from IRCC. Applicants must also meet the following conditions at the time of applying:

1. have valid work authorization in Canada
2. hold a work permit that is set to expire within four months
3. are currently residing in Canada
4. hold temporary resident status, maintained status, or are eligible to restore their status
5. continue to meet the language requirements for the TR to PR pathway stream applied under

Can I include my spouse and dependent children on my TR to PR open work permit application?

A candidate’s spouse or common-law partner and dependent children over 18 may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit through this policy. The family members must also be residing in Canada to qualify. To be included as accompanying, dependents must meet the IRCC’s definition of “family member”, and not be inadmissible to Canada.

What happens if my status expires before my TR to PR open work permit application is approved?

If a TR to PR applicants’ status expires after they have applied for an open work permit, they will be on maintained status. This means they can continue to work under the same conditions as their original permit while their new permit is being processed.

How do I apply for the TR to PR open work permit?

TR to PR open work permits must be applied for online and cannot be applied for at a port of entry. Applicants must create an IRCC secure account and follow the following steps:

1. From the welcome page, click “Start your application”
2. Click “Apply to come to Canada”
3. Scroll down to the section that says “I do not have a personal reference code”
4. Click the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button
5. Select “Work” from the following page

What documents do I need to apply for the TR to PR open work permit?

Applicants should be prepared to provide the following documents as part of their application:

• Completed application forms;
• Copy of fees receipt;
• Copy of your passport;
• Proof of work authorization at the time of applying for permanent residence;
• Proof of language test results;
• Digital photo; and
• Family documents (if applicable)

How much does the TR to PR open work permit cost?

Eligible applicants must remit $155 CAD for the work permit processing fee. If an accompanying spouse or dependent is applying for an open work permit, they must also pay the $155 CAD processing fee.

As this open work permit is offered under a public policy, applicants are exempt from the open work permit holder fee of $100 CAD.

How long will it take to process my TR to PR open work permit application?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is currently experiencing increased processing delays for all applications due to COVID 19. Up-to-date processing times can be checked through IRCC’s webpage.

Can I travel to Canada on this TR to PR open work permit with current COVID 19 travel restrictions?

Due to current travel restrictions, in order to travel to Canada as this time and until further notice, you will need to:

• Be approved for your open work permit;
• Have a valid job offer;
• Be able to work once you complete your 14-day quarantine in Canada.

Even if you are not eligible to travel to Canada, it is recommended that you proceed with an application under this program if you are eligible. You can then travel to Canada once the travel restrictions have been lifted or you secure employment in Canada.

What options do I have as a to apply for Canadian permanent residence?

This open work permit requires that applicants have already successfully applied for permanent residence through the TR to PR pathway.

Do I need a job offer to get the TR to PR open work permit?

Since this is an application for an open work permit, a job offer from a Canadian company is not required to apply. Successful applicants will receive an open work permit that will enable them to work for any employer in any occupation across Canada, with a few exceptions.

How long are TR to PR open work permits valid?

These open work permits will be valid until December 31, 2022.

 

If you’re interested in beginning your Canadian immigration journey in 2021, get started today by filling out our free online assessment and a member of our team will reach out to discuss the best option for you!

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