List of PNP Provinces Supporting Open and Closed Work Permits in Canada

As of May 2025, several Canadian provinces and territories support work permit extensions for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates through a temporary public policy. This policy allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain open work permits (OWPs) valid for up to two years, facilitating continued employment while their permanent residency applications are processed.

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Provinces and Territories Supporting Work Permit Extensions for PNP Candidates

1. Manitoba

• Manitoba offers open work permits to eligible PNP candidates whose work permits have expired or will expire within the next 45 days.
• Applicants must have a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) profile and a support letter from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
• This policy is effective until December 31, 2025. 

2. Yukon

• Yukon provides open work permits to temporary workers who have received a support letter confirming their eligibility under the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
• Applicants must reside and work in Yukon and have a letter of employment from their current employer.
• The policy is valid until December 31, 2025. 

3. Alberta

• Alberta has extended its policy to offer open work permits to eligible PNP candidates.
• Candidates must have a valid profile in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and a support letter from the province.
• The policy is in effect until December 31, 2025. 

Eligibility Criteria for Open Work Permits

To qualify for an open work permit under this policy, applicants must:

• Be residing and working in the province or territory that issued the support letter.
• Hold a valid work permit or have held one that was valid on May 7, 2024.
• If the work permit has expired, have applied for restoration of status or an extension.
• Possess a support letter from the respective PNP authority.
• Provide a letter of employment from their current employer. 

Application Process

Eligible candidates should:

1. Obtain a support letter from the PNP authority of the respective province or territory.
2. Gather necessary documents, including a valid passport and a letter of employment.
3. Apply for an open work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before the policy’s expiration on December 31, 2025. 

For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the official IRCC website: Open work permit for prospective Provincial Nominee Program candidates.

Many Canadian provinces and territories offer Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams that support employer-specific (closed) work permits. These permits are typically tied to a specific employer and position, allowing nominees to work while their permanent residence applications are processed. Below is a list of PNPs that provide such support:

Provincial Nominee Programs Offering Employer-Specific Work Permit Support

1. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

• Streams: Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees receive a work permit support letter to apply for a closed work permit tied to their Ontario employer.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

• Streams: Skills Immigration, including the BC PNP Tech stream.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees may receive a work permit support letter to apply for a closed work permit without an LMIA.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

3. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

• Streams: Alberta Opportunity Stream and Alberta Express Entry Stream.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees can obtain a work permit support letter for a closed work permit linked to their Alberta employer.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

4. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

• Streams: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees may receive a Work Permit Support Letter (WPSL) to apply for a closed work permit associated with their Manitoba employer.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

5. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

• Streams: International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees receive a support letter to apply for a closed work permit tied to their Saskatchewan employer.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

6. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

• Streams: Skilled Worker Category.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees can obtain a support letter to apply for a closed work permit linked to their employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

7. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

• Streams: Skilled Worker and Occupations in Demand.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees may receive a support letter to apply for a closed work permit associated with their Nova Scotia employer.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

8. New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

• Streams: Skilled Worker with Employer Support.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees receive a support letter to apply for a closed work permit tied to their New Brunswick employer.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

9. Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

• Streams: Labour Impact Category.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees can obtain a support letter to apply for a closed work permit linked to their PEI employer.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

10. Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

• Streams: Employer-Driven Stream.
• Work Permit Support: Nominees receive a support letter to apply for a closed work permit associated with their employer in the Northwest Territories.
• LMIA Exemption: Yes, under LMIA-exempt code T13.

Important Notes

•LMIA Exemption: Most PNPs provide a work permit support letter that allows nominees to apply for a closed work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), under exemption code T13.

•Employer Requirements: Employers must meet specific criteria set by the respective PNP, including being established and operating in the province or territory.

•Application Process: After receiving a nomination and work permit support letter, applicants must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the closed work permit.

For detailed information on each PNP and their specific requirements, you can visit the official IRCC page on Provincial Nominee Programs: Immigrate as a provincial nominee.

If you need assistance identifying the most suitable PNP stream based on your occupation, qualifications, and job offer, feel free to provide more details, and we can offer more tailored guidance.