The Canadian government announced a new temporary policy for certain foreign nationals under the Provincial Nominee Program.

Key Points:

• The new policy allows eligible foreign nationals seeking to apply for permanent residency under a Provincial Nominee Program to be issued an open work permit more quickly.
• Foreign nationals must hold an employment offer, a valid work permit or have held a valid work permit as of May 7, and a support letter from the province or territory they reside in outlining their placement in an Expression of Interest pool or other application inventory process.
• The policy expires Dec. 31, and additional details on eligibility can be found here.

Additional Information: The temporary policy allows foreign nationals to work sooner within the nomination and permanent residence process. Previously, applicants have submitted a permanent residence application and received a nomination from the province/territory before being eligible for an open work permit.

BAL Analysis: The Canadian government is hoping to support provinces and territories that are transitioning eligible temporary residents to permanent status via the Provincial Nominee programs.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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