Everything you need to know about the A75 transitional open work permit in Canada

In the current panorama of Canadian immigration, the A75 transitional open work permit is an innovative solution for candidates for permanent residency in certain economic immigration categories. It is specifically designed to offer greater flexibility to individuals awaiting permanent status in Canada, enabling them to work for any employer without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Designed to ease the transition to permanent residency, the A75 permit recognizes the vital contribution of foreign workers to the Canadian economy.

What is an A75 transitional open work permit?

The A75 Transitional Open Work Permit is a specific category of Canadian work permit under the International Mobility Program. This permit is designed to offer greater flexibility to applicants for permanent residence in Canada who apply through certain categories of economic immigration. Unlike closed work permits, which are tied to a specific employer, the A75 permit allows its holder to work for any employer in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMI). The A75 Transitional Open Work Permit is particularly valuable for applicants who need to maintain their employment and legal status in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed.

Who is eligible to apply for an A75 transitional open work permit?

To be eligible for an A75 transitional open work permit in Canada, applicants must meet specific criteria, aligned with Canada's economic immigration policies. Here are the main eligibility conditions for this type of permit:

1. Current permanent residence process: The applicant must have submitted an application for permanent residence under one of Canada's economic immigration categories. This includes programs managed by the Express Entry system, such as the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, as well as other economic programs.
2. Valid temporary status: The applicant must currently be residing in Canada with a legal temporary status, either as a temporary worker, foreign student, or under any other temporary status that allows a request for a change of conditions to obtain a work permit.
3. Application for permanent residence at the decision approach stage: The applicant's application for permanent residence must have reached the stage where a decision is about to be made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This means that the majority of checks, including security and admissibility checks, have been successfully completed.
4. No grounds for ineligibility: Applicants must not be deemed ineligible for reasons of safety, criminality or health. They must meet all IRCC's general eligibility requirements.

How and where can I apply for an A75 transitional open work permit?

To apply for an A75 Transitional Open Work Permit, applicants must follow a detailed process and use the resources available from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the A75 permit, including having a current application for permanent residence in an economic immigration category.
2. Gather the necessary documents: Collect all required documents, such as proof of your application for permanent residence, proof of legal status in Canada if applicable, and any other documents specified by IRCC.
3. Complete the application form: Download and complete the IMM 5710 form for changing conditions, renewing your stay or changing the type of work permit in Canada. Select "Open work permit" and indicate exemption code A75.
4. Fee payment: Pay the processing fee for your open work permit application. Fees can be viewed on the IRCC website and are payable online by credit or debit card.
5. Submit your request :
6. Online: Online submission via the IRCC secure account is recommended for a faster procedure. Upload your completed form and supporting documents.
7. By post: If online submission is not possible, you can also send your application by post to the address indicated by IRCC. Check the submission address and instructions on the IRCC website.
8. Application tracking: After submission, you can check the status of your application via your IRCC account. IRCC will contact you if additional information is required to process your request.

Accurate and complete information is essential to avoid delays. Check the IRCC website regularly for up-to-date information on procedures and fees, as guidelines may change.

How long is an A75 transitory open work permit valid?

The validity period of an A75 transitional open work permit is generally determined by several factors, but does not exceed 24 months (2 years). This period is designed to allow applicants for permanent residence to continue working in Canada while their application is being processed. Here are the main factors that can influence the length of validity of the A75 permit:

• The expiry date of the applicant's passport: The permit cannot exceed the validity of the passport. If the passport expires before the maximum period of 24 months, the permit will be granted until the passport expiry date.
• Application for permanent residence: The A75 permit is specifically intended for individuals with an application for permanent residence in process. The duration of the permit can therefore be adjusted to cover the estimated period of the permanent residence process, without exceeding 24 months.
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines: IRCC may impose specific limits on permit duration based on current policies and operational needs.

It is important for A75 permit holders to keep an eye on the expiry date of their permit and passport. If their application for permanent residence is still being processed and their permit is about to expire, they may be eligible to apply for a permit extension, depending on IRCC guidelines at the time.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the IRCC website regularly for the latest information on the duration of transitional open work permits and renewal procedures, as policies and procedures may change.

Conclusion

In summary, the A75 Transitional Open Work Permit marks a significant milestone in the journey of candidates for permanent residence in Canada, facilitating a smooth transition to their new lives. By offering the possibility of working for any employer without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), this permit underlines Canada's commitment to effectively integrating foreign talent into its economy. For applicants, the A75 permit represents not only a pathway to professional stability during a period of transition, but also recognition of their essential contribution to the diversity and prosperity of the Canadian labour market.

**Please note that the information presented in this article is subject to change and is provided for reference purposes only; it should not be construed as legal advice. For accurate and personalized immigration advice, we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified lawyer or immigration consultant.