If you work in Manitoba, Alberta, or Yukon and are waiting inside a Provincial Nominee Program expression-of-interest pool, the news that Canada extended the open work permit policy for provincial nominee program candidates brings some real breathing space. With the extension now lasting until December 31, 2025, many workers can keep earning and remain active in their PNP pathway without worrying about their status slipping in 2024.

Why This Extension Matters

The policy was originally set to wrap up on December 31, 2024, which would have placed thousands of workers at risk of losing valid work authorization. Now, eligible applicants can secure open work permits valid for up to 2 years with provincial support letters.

Manitoba and Yukon continue participating. Alberta has stepped away, but workers who received Alberta support letters on or before December 31, 2024, can still benefit until the updated policy expires.

How the “Canada Extended the Open Work Permit Policy for Provincial Nominee Program Candidates” Update Works

This extension gives foreign workers a practical buffer, but the rules are specific. Here’s what applicants need to know in simple terms.

Who Qualifies?

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Hold a valid work permit, OR
• Held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024 and applied for restoration, OR
• Were authorized to work under paragraph 186(u) on May 7, 2024 with an extension request pending.

They must also:

• Be currently employed in Manitoba, Alberta, or Yukon.
• Hold a provincial support letter confirming placement in a PNP EOI pool.
• Have a valid temporary resident status or have applied for restoration.

Participating Provinces

Only 3 jurisdictions can issue support letters:

• Manitoba: Active in 2025.
• Yukon: Active in 2025.
• Alberta: Only support letters issued by December 31, 2024 are valid.

No other province can issue support letters under this policy.

Permit Conditions

• Open work permit
• Valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry
• Cannot be extended
• Must be applied for online

Required Codes in the Application

Applicants must type these codes in both the job title and duties fields:

• Manitoba: MBEOI2024
• Alberta: ABEOI2024
• Yukon: YKEOI2024

Family Members

Spouses or partners may qualify under codes C41 or C47. Dependent children may receive open work permits under C46 or C48. Minors already in Canada may study without a permit at the K-12 level if a parent has a valid status.

What the Extension Means Now That Canada Extended the Open Work Permit Policy for Provincial Nominee Program Candidates. With this extension lasting into 2025, eligible workers in Manitoba, Yukon, and those holding valid Alberta support letters from 2024 can keep working, maintain stability, and stay connected to their PNP goals without disruption.