Canada has introduced a temporary immigration measure that will help many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants remain employed while waiting for their permanent residence applications to move through the system.
Under the new policy, eligible applicants inside Canada can apply for certain work permits without first receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), a document that has traditionally been required during the process.
Also Read Canada Introduces Temporary Work Permit Relief for Provincial Nominees Awaiting PR Processing
What Applicants Can Use Instead of an AOR
Foreign nationals who have already submitted their permanent residence application can now provide alternative proof when applying for eligible work permits.
Accepted documents include:
- Confirmation that the PR application was submitted through the online portal.
- Evidence that application fees have been paid.
- Verification through IRCC’s internal systems showing that the permanent residence application is pending.
Applicants who have already received an AOR must continue using that document.
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Work Permits Included Under the New Rules
The temporary relief applies to several permit categories commonly used by provincial nominees and their families.
| Work Permit Type | Who Can Benefit |
| Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Provincial nominees awaiting PR decisions |
| Employer-Specific Work Permit | Certain nominees whose nomination validity has expired |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | Eligible spouses of PNP applicants |
Why the Change Was Needed
Long processing delays have left many applicants waiting months for their AOR. During that period, some workers faced the possibility of losing their legal authorization to work because they could not apply for a permit extension without the required document.
The new approach is designed to prevent those employment gaps and provide greater stability for workers already contributing to Canada’s labour market.
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Important Conditions
The policy only applies to work permit applications submitted from within Canada. Individuals applying from outside the country must continue following the standard requirements.
These temporary instructions came into effect on June 9, 2026, and are scheduled to remain available until December 31, 2026.
Conclusion
For provincial nominees already on the path to permanent residence, the change offers welcome relief. By accepting proof of application submission instead of requiring an AOR, Canada is making it easier for eligible workers and their families to maintain their status and continue working while immigration authorities process their PR applications.
