Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently revealed an important change for individuals waiting for permanent residency: open work permits (OWPs) granted through the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR‑to‑PR) Pathway are now effective until December 31, 2026.
This allows eligible applicants and their family members to remain and work legally in Canada with a valid Canada work permit. Concurrently, their applications for permanent residence are still being assessed.
For countless individuals who submitted applications under the 2021 TR-to-PR public policy, this extension offers essential stability and reassurance: no more frequent renewals, reduced status concerns, and more time to strategize their future.
In the upcoming sections, we will clarify who meets the criteria under the new regulations and explain the workings of the policy so you understand your position and the actions to take moving forward.
Required Documents for the New TR to Canada PR Visa Pathway
Ensure these important documents are prepared to prevent any delays, and submit your TR to PR application immediately when the new pathway opens. Below is the list:
| 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 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, and missing documents |
| Proof of a common-law relationship | Proof of address, joint leases, bills, bank accounts, and credit cards. |
| Name change certificates | N/A |
How does the 2026 TR to Canada PR Work Permit Extension operate?
The 2026 extension of TR to PR Canada Open Work Permits (OWPs) aims to assist applicants in preserving their legal status and enabling them to keep working in Canada as they await decisions on their permanent residence applications.
With this revised policy, IRCC has prolonged the validity of these open work permits until December 31, 2026, providing applicants significantly more time and security than earlier renewal periods permitted.
For qualified candidates, the extension could be applicable in two manners:
Automatic Extensions: Certain TR-to-PR applicants with existing work permits in IRCC’s database might get a notice for an automatic extension. IRCC will automatically extend the permit validity, allowing applicants to continue working while getting ready for the new Canada PR 2026 pathway.
Basic Renewal Applications: Candidates who are not eligible for an automatic renewal might be required to file a renewal application. This procedure is usually uncomplicated and needs essential documents to verify identity, status, and eligibility. Upon approval, the Canada work permit will show the updated validity date of 2026.
This extension includes eligible family members, spouses, partners, and dependent children who possess or qualify for an open work permit under the TR-to-PR public policy during their application for Canada PR.
In general, the update guarantees that applicants can work legally, sidestep frequent renewals, lessen anxiety, and concentrate on their permanent residence process without concerns about their status expiring amid prolonged PR processing durations.
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