How to improve your CRS in 2024

by Daniel Peimbert | Apr 15, 2024 | 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.

Improving your score in Canada’s Express Entry system is crucial for enhancing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The Express Entry system evaluates candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and Canadian connections.

Here are tips to increase your CRS score in 2024:

1. Boost Your Language Proficiency

Improve Your English and/or French: Higher scores in language tests like IELTS, CELPIP, PTE (English), TEF and TCF (French) can significantly increase your CRS score. Consider enrolling in language classes or using online resources to practice. If you need recommendations for language classes, you can email us.
Take a Second Language Test: If you’re proficient in both of Canada’s official languages, taking a test in your second language can add up to 50 points to your score.

2. Enhance Your Education

Get Your Education Assessed: If your education was completed outside of Canada, ensure it’s recognized with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This can substantially increase your points.
Consider Further Education: Pursuing additional degrees, diplomas, or certificates can boost your education level and, consequently, your CRS score.

3. Gain More Work Experience

Accumulate Work Experience: More years of work experience can increase your score, especially if you have at least three years of work experience.
Canadian Work Experience: If possible, gain Canadian work experience. This is highly valued and can significantly boost your CRS score.

4. Secure a Job Offer in Canada

While challenging, obtaining a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add up 50 or 200 points to your CRS score, depending on the job’s NOC code.

5. Leverage Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Apply for PNPs: Being nominated through a PNP is one of the most effective ways to increase your CRS score, adding 600 points and virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

6. Consider a Canadian Study Experience

If you have the means and opportunity, studying in Canada can provide you up to 30 additional points, not to mention the potential for Canadian work experience.

7. Improve Your Spouse’s Credentials

If you’re applying with a spouse, their language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience can contribute to your total CRS score. Encouraging them to improve their language scores or obtaining an ECA for their education can help.

8. Use Professional Networking

Building professional relationships can lead to job offers and connect you with potential PNP opportunities.

9. Regularly Update Your Profile

Keep your Express Entry profile up to date. Updating your profile can increase your CRS score if circumstances change (such as improved language test scores, new work experience, or additional education).

10. Consult with Great Start Canada Immigration

Consider consulting with our registered Canadian immigration consultant, Daniel Peimbert. He can provide personalized advice and identify other strategies to improve your score.

Implementing these strategies requires time and effort, but improving your CRS score significantly enhances your chances of achieving Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system.