IRCC clarifies AIP work-permit renewals and proof of a PR application

Renewals can continue while permanent residence is pending

IRCC's August 25 update confirms that a worker may renew an employer-specific Atlantic Immigration Program work permit if the provincial endorsement remains valid or if the permanent-residence application was submitted before the endorsement expired. A renewal may be issued while the PR application remains pending and has not been refused.

Each permit can be issued for a maximum of two years. Successive renewals may be possible while IRCC continues to process the permanent-residence file, but every renewal remains a new decision and requires a new Employer Portal offer and employer compliance fee.

Acceptable proof that the PR file was submitted

• For an application submitted from outside Canada, the acknowledgement of receipt is the stated proof.
• For an in-Canada application, IRCC accepts an acknowledgement of receipt, or a PR portal submission confirmation together with proof of fee payment, or confirmation in IRCC's system that the application was submitted.
• The permanent-residence application must have been submitted before the endorsement expired for the renewal route that relies on a pending PR file.

When a new support letter or form is needed

A worker whose previous permit was already issued under AIP or the former Atlantic Immigration Pilot normally does not need a new provincial work-permit support letter for a renewal unless changing employers. IRCC also says a new IMM 0156 is generally unnecessary unless the employer changes.

A worker renewing under AIP for the first time after holding a permit in another category is assessed like a first-time AIP work-permit applicant. The job offer, endorsement or provincial support, language, education and work-experience conditions may therefore need to be established again.

AIP permits are not bridging open work permits

The AIP work permit is employer-specific under exemption code C18. AIP and former AIPP applicants are not eligible for the A75 bridging open work permit on that basis. A change of employer therefore requires the AIP employer-change evidence rather than an assumption that the permit will become open.

For a first AIP permit, IRCC says a permanent-residence application is not required if the endorsement is still valid. The applicant still needs the employer's offer submitted through the Employer Portal, the compliance fee, the provincial support letter and the applicable AIP eligibility evidence.