Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published new operational instructions on June 9, 2026, affecting certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants in Canada. In response to delays in issuing Acknowledgements of Receipt (AORs) for permanent residence applications, IRCC has introduced temporary measures allowing certain applicants to use alternative proof of permanent residence application submission when applying for eligible work permits.
The temporary measures are intended to address challenges arising from prolonged completeness check timelines under section R10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which have delayed the issuance of AORs for some permanent residence applicants.
Why Is This Change Important?
For many immigration applicants, an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) is an important document used to demonstrate that a permanent residence application is in process for certain work permit categories.
According to IRCC, extended R10 completeness check timelines have delayed the issuance of AORs for some Provincial Nominee Program applicants. In some cases, the absence of an AOR has resulted in refusals of in-Canada work permit applications, work interruptions, temporary resident status concerns, and additional administrative burdens for provinces and territories that may need to re-issue nominations.
IRCC has stated that these temporary measures are intended to help address those operational challenges.
Which Applicants Are Eligible?
According to IRCC’s operational instructions, the temporary facilitation measures apply only to in-Canada applications for:
- Provincial Nominee Program employer-specific work permits (T13), including situations where the nomination certificate has expired
- Provincial Nominee Program Bridging Open Work Permits (A75)
- Eligible spousal open work permits for spouses or common-law partners of Provincial Nominee Program principal applicants
The measures do not apply to work permit applications submitted outside Canada.
What Alternative Evidence Can Be Used?
Until December 31, 2026, officers processing eligible in-Canada work permit applications may temporarily accept alternative evidence that a permanent residence application has been submitted when an AOR has not yet been issued.
Applicants may provide either:
- A copy of the email confirming submission of the permanent residence application through the online portal together with proof of payment of the applicable permanent residence processing fees; or
- Confirmation in IRCC systems that an application for permanent residence has been received and remains pending
According to IRCC, either form of evidence is sufficient to demonstrate that a permanent residence application has been submitted and received by IRCC for the purpose of in-Canada work permit processing.
Important Limitations
This temporary facilitation applies only when an AOR has not yet been issued at the time a work permit application is submitted.
IRCC specifically states that if an AOR has already been issued, the applicant must submit the AOR rather than relying on the alternative forms of evidence described above.
IRCC has also clarified that these documents do not replace or constitute a determination under the R10 completeness check. If a permanent residence application is later found to be incomplete and returned, normal consequences continue to apply, including potential impacts on future work permit eligibility.
Applicants must continue to satisfy all other eligibility and admissibility requirements applicable to their work permit category.
Conclusion
IRCC’s temporary policy provides additional flexibility for certain Provincial Nominee Program applicants who have not yet received an Acknowledgement of Receipt for their permanent residence application.
The temporary measures respond to operational challenges associated with delayed AOR issuance while maintaining existing eligibility and admissibility requirements. Applicants who have not yet received an AOR may now be able to rely on alternative evidence of permanent residence application submission when applying for eligible in-Canada work permits.
The temporary measures respond to operational challenges associated with delayed AOR issuance while maintaining existing eligibility and admissibility requirements. Applicants who have not yet received an Acknowledgement of Receipt may rely on alternative evidence of permanent residence application submission when applying for eligible in-Canada work permits, subject to the usual eligibility and admissibility requirements.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding Provincial Nominee Program applications, Bridging Open Work Permits, employer-specific work permits, spousal open work permits, or permanent residence applications, contact Jain Immigration Law today.
Jain Immigration Law
Phone: +1 (416) 548-5533
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jainimmigrationlaw.com
Disclosure
The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, regulations, policies, operational instructions, and processing procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult a qualified immigration professional regarding their individual circumstances before making immigration or status-related decisions.