Maple News reports that Canada is expanding access to work permits for provincial nominees while their permanent residence applications are processed. From June 9, 2026, temporary measures allow eligible in-Canada applicants to qualify for work permits without waiting for an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) for their PR application.
The changes apply to in-Canada work permit pathways under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), including: bridging open work permits (BOWPs) for PNP applicants; PNP employer-specific work permits when the nomination has expired; and eligible spousal open work permits for spouses of PNP applicants.
Instead of an AOR, applicants can submit a copy of the email confirming PR submission via the online portal, along with proof of PR application fee payment. Immigration officers may also verify eligibility by checking IRCC systems for an application for permanent residence that has been received and is pending. When available, officers should rely on these system confirmations.
The measures apply only to work permit applicants who have not yet received an AOR; if an AOR has already been issued, the applicant must submit the AOR.
These temporary measures took effect on June 9, 2026 and will remain in place until December 31, 2026. The move aims to reduce gaps in work authorization and better support provincial labor markets as processing times for PR applications continue to evolve.