Book Consultation

Canada’s Visa and Permit System: What’s the Difference?

by Daniel Peimbert | Nov 16, 2023 | Immigration, Tips

If your work permit is approaching its expiry date while your Permanent Residence (PR) application sits in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) processing queue, you are likely feeling the pressure. Historically, applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) or a work permit extension required one crucial document: an official Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) proving that IRCC passed your PR file through its initial Section 10 (R10) completeness check.
Without an AOR, thousands of applicants faced the immediate risk of losing their legal authorization to work in Canada.
To address these administrative processing delays, IRCC issued Operational Bulletin 699 (OB 699). Under this temporary measure, eligible Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants physically present in Canada can extend their work authorization using alternative proof of PR submission—without waiting for an AOR.

 

Policy Snapshot: Operational Bulletin 699

Feature Key Details
Official Reference IRCC Operational Bulletin 699
Effective Period In effect from June 9, 2026 through December 31, 2026 (unless revoked earlier by IRCC)
Location Requirement Applicant must be physically present in Canada
Eligible PR Streams In-Canada Base (non-Express Entry) PNP and Express Entry-aligned PNP streams
Accepted Alternative Proof Automated PR Portal Submission Confirmation Email + Official IRCC Fee Receipt

Which Work Permits Are Covered Under This Policy?

This temporary measure allows eligible in-Canada applicants to apply for three specific work permit streams without providing an AOR:
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP / Category A75): Enables eligible PNP nominees to maintain open work authorization for any employer while IRCC processes their PR application.
  • Employer-Specific PNP Work Permit (Category T13): Allows nominees to renew their closed work permit with their nominating employer, even if their provincial nomination certificate has expired due to IRCC processing backlogs.
  • Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Permits the accompanying spouse or common-law partner of the principal PNP applicant to extend or obtain an open work permit concurrently.

Required Alternative Documentation

Because you cannot provide a formal AOR letter, you must upload alternative evidence proving your PR application is submitted and pending in the IRCC portal:
PR Portal Submission Confirmation: A copy of the automated email receipt generated immediately upon submitting your electronic PR application through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.
Official IRCC Proof of Payment: The official fee receipt confirming that all applicable PR processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) have been paid in full.
Mandatory IRCC Requirement: If IRCC has already issued your official AOR letter prior to submitting your work permit extension, you must submit the actual AOR letter. The alternative proof mechanism is strictly reserved for applicants whose AOR has not yet been generated.

Critical Action Steps: Safeguarding Your Status

1. Apply BEFORE Your Current Work Permit Expires

Timing is paramount under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Submitting your work permit application before your existing permit expires automatically grants you maintained status (formerly referred to as implied status). This status legally authorizes you to continue working in Canada under your existing conditions while IRCC renders a decision.

 

2. Update Your Application via IRCC Webform

When IRCC completes the R10 completeness check and issues your formal AOR letter, you must immediately upload a copy of that letter to your pending work permit file via the IRCC Webform to complete the application record.

 

3. Verify Complete PR Documentation

Relying on alternative proof allows you to file the work permit application, but it does not guarantee PR completeness. If IRCC later determines during the R10 check that your PR application is incomplete, the PR file will be rejected and returned. Consequently, the underlying foundation for your work permit extension will be invalidated, leading to a refusal.

 

Common Pitfalls That Lead to Refusal or Status Loss

  • Failing to File Before Expiry: Maintained status only applies if IRCC receives your work permit application prior to midnight UTC on the date your current permit expires. Submitting even one day late results in loss of legal status and requires a restoration application.
  • Applying from Outside Canada: Operational Bulletin 699 applies strictly to candidates physically present inside Canada. Applicants outside Canada must follow standard entry and work permit processing rules.
  • Omitting the Official Fee Receipt: Submitting the portal email confirmation without the official IRCC receipt showing full payment of processing fees will result in the immediate rejection of your work permit application.
  • Submitting Alternative Proof When an AOR Exists: If an AOR was already issued in your portal or sent via email, attempting to use alternative submission proof instead of the formal letter violates policy guidelines.

Retain Professional Advisory for Your Application

Navigating temporary public policies, maintaining legal work authorization, and meeting strict regulatory deadlines require precise execution. A single missing document or miscalculated timeline can jeopardize your ability to remain and work legally in Canada.
Whether you require a comprehensive review of your work permit application under Operational Bulletin 699, verification of your PR portal documents, or guidance on maintaining your status, our team is available to assist.

 

👉 Schedule a Consultation with an RCIC Today or contact our office to review your case and ensure your continuous authorization to work in Canada.

Canada’s welcoming stance towards immigrants and travellers from around the world is well-known. However, the terminologies surrounding visas and permits can be confusing for newcomers. What exactly is the difference between a visa and a permit in Canada? This blog’ll demystify these terms and help you understand their distinct roles in the Canadian immigration system.

Visa: Your Passport to Entry

A visa is your ticket to enter Canada. It’s a travel document allowing foreign nationals to cross the Canadian border and arrive there. However, not everyone needs a visa to visit Canada. Here are the main types of visas:

  1. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Also known as a “visitor visa,” this type of visa is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. It grants permission to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, visiting family and friends, or other short-term purposes.
  2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you’re from a visa-exempt country and travelling to Canada by air, you’ll need an eTA. It’s electronically linked to your passport and is essential for air travel, even if you’re just transiting through a Canadian airport.

Permit: Your Authorization to Stay and Engage

On the other hand, a permit allows you to remain in Canada for a specific period and participate in various activities. The type of permit you need depends on the purpose of your stay. Here are some common permit types:

  1. Study Permit: A study permit is crucial if your goal is to study in Canada. It allows you to enroll in a Canadian educational institution and stay in Canada for the duration of your study program. Depending on your program and institution, your study permit may also include authorization for work, such as co-op or off-campus work.
  2. Work Permit: A work permit authorizes you to work in Canada for a specific employer, job, and duration. There are different categories of work permits, including open work permits (allowing you to work for any employer) and employer-specific work permits.
  3. Visitor Record: While not always referred to as a “permit,” a visitor record is a document that may be issued to visitors already in Canada who need to extend their stay as tourists or individuals who have changed their status within Canada.
  4. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): A TRP is a special permit that allows individuals who would otherwise be inadmissible to Canada due to criminal convictions or other factors to enter or stay in Canada temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • A visa is primarily an entry document granting permission to cross the border and enter Canada.
  • A permit is an authorization document allowing you to stay in Canada and participate in specific activities once you’ve entered the country.
  • Depending on your circumstances and purpose, you may need both a visa and a permit to visit, study, or work in Canada.

Understanding the distinction between visas and permits is essential when planning your journey to Canada. Determining which type of visa and permit you require is important based on your intended activities and duration of stay in this diverse and welcoming country. By navigating these processes effectively, you can embark on a successful and fulfilling experience in Canada.

Our Immigration Services Include: Temporary Residence | Permanent Residence | Express Entry | Provincial Nominee Programs | Family Sponsorship

Other Services Include: Initial Consultation Services | Study Permits | Work Permits | Business Immigration Programs

Contact Great Start Canada Immigration

Found this helpful? Share it:

Explore by topic

Browse by month

GSC