[Published
06 Dec, 2025 | 06:05 AM]
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The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed new immigration reforms that bring good news for thousands of temporary residents and foreign workers in Canada: the open work permit (OWP) option under the TR to PR pathway is now extended.
This also allows eligible applicants to keep working. At the same time, their permanent residency applications are processed.&
Under a one-time initiative planned for 2026 (with follow-up into 2027), up to 33,000 temporary workers already on valid Canada work permit may have the opportunity to transition to permanent residence.
For those who apply (or reapply) under this pathway, valid work permits will remain effective until December 31, 2026, reducing uncertainty and providing time to complete essential documentation.
This move by IRCC could be a game-changer for many international workers and their families, offering stability and hope of long-term immigrate to Canada.
Here is a list of documents you should prepare to maximize your chances of submitting your application on time once the new pathway opens:
| Document type | Supporting document(s) |
| Proof of language proficiency | Language test results |
| Proof of criminal background check(s) | Police certificates |
| Proof of education | -Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs), for foreign degrees -Transcripts, for Canadian degrees |
| Travel history | -Travel log -Airline booking confirmation -Passports |
| Support of employment | -Complete employment history -Reference letter(s) from employers -T4s (for work in Canada) -Copies of employment contracts |
| Proof of current employment in Canada | -Work permit -Employer reference letter -Pay stubs -Employment contract |
| Documentation of organizational affiliations | -List of organizations you’ve donated to and/or volunteered with -Reference letter(s) -Receipts for donations |
| Identity documents | -Passport -Birth certificate -Marriage documents -Adoption documents |
| Translations | -Certified translation(s) (for documents not in English or French) -Translator affidavit (if not a certified translator) |
For in-Canada applicants:
| Document type | Supporting document(s) |
| Proof of status in Canada | -Valid temporary status document (work permit, study permit, visitor record) -Entry stamp, or electronic entry record -Evidence of maintained status (if applicable) |
Documents needed for accompanying family members:
| Document type | Supporting document(s) |
| Identity documents | -Passports -Birth certificates -Marriage documents -Civil status documents |
| Travel history | -Travel logs -Airline booking confirmations -Passports |
| Proof of criminal background check(s) | Police certificates |
Documents required in specific situations only:
| Document type | Supporting document(s) |
| Letter(s) of explanation | Letter(s) explaining any discrepancies or potential oddities, such as gaps in address, gaps in employment, missing documents |
| Proof of common-law relationship | Proof of address, joint leases, bills, bank accounts, credit cards. |
| Name change certificates | N/A |
Extending the TR-to-PR pathway Open Work Permits through 2026 provides applicants and their families with greater stability while their permanent residence applications are processed. It means they can continue working legally in Canada without worrying about their status expiring soon.
This also reduces the stress and costs associated with frequent renewals. For families, it provides continued access to work opportunities, income stability, and the ability to stay together in Canada while the PR decision is pending.
Overall, the policy offers more time, security, and flexibility for everyone relying on the TR-to-PR pathway.
This section explains who can benefit from the extended TR-to-PR Open Work Permit (OWP) validity and the steps they must follow to maintain or renew their status.
Eligibility:
Only individuals who previously applied through the TR-to-PR pathway (under the 2021 public policy) and who currently hold, or have held, an Open Work Permit linked to that stream can benefit from the extension.
Their spouses or common-law partners, as well as dependent children already eligible for open work permits under existing rules, may also qualify.
How the Policy Works:
IRCC has extended the validity of these TR-to-PR open work permits until 2026. This means applicants do not need to apply for Canada PR for frequent renewals, reducing processing delays and financial burden.
Depending on IRCC instructions, eligible applicants may either receive an automatic extension or need to submit a simplified renewal application. The goal is to maintain continuous legal status in Canada while applicants wait for their PR decision, ensuring stability for themselves and their families.
Source: canada.ca
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