Renewals can continue while permanent residence is pending
IRCC's update of August 25, 2026 clarifies the instructions for work permits issued under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), administrative code C18. A worker may renew an employer-specific AIP work permit if either the provincial endorsement is still valid (the work permit application is submitted before the endorsement certificate expires) or a permanent residence (PR) application was submitted before the certificate expired.
Workers can keep renewing until a decision is made on their PR application. Each work permit can be valid for up to 2 years, and successive permits can be issued as long as the PR application is pending and has not been refused. Every renewal needs a new offer of employment submitted in the Employer Portal, including payment of the employer compliance fee. This also applies to applicants from the former Atlantic Immigration Pilot whose PR application is still pending.
Acceptable proof that the PR application was submitted
If the support letter shows that the endorsement certificate has expired, the applicant must show that the PR application was submitted before it expired.
- For an application made from outside Canada: a copy of the acknowledgement of receipt.
- For an application made from inside Canada: a copy of the acknowledgement of receipt, or a copy of the email confirming submission in the online portal together with proof that the application fees were paid, or confirmation in IRCC's system that the application was received and is still pending.
When a new support letter or form is needed
A worker whose earlier permit was issued under code C18 does not have to send the following again with a renewal: the provincial work permit support letter (unless there is a change of employer), the IMM 0156 undertaking form (unless there is a change of employer), educational credentials, language test results, proof of qualifying work experience, and the extra evidence for international graduates. If the employer changes, an updated support letter is needed.
A worker who is renewing but applying under the AIP for the first time, after holding a permit in another category, is subject to the same documentary requirements as a first-time AIP applicant. As long as the endorsement certificate is still valid, they may apply under code C18.
A first AIP work permit
For a first AIP work permit, the applicant does not need to have applied for PR first if the endorsement certificate is still valid. The application must be made online (not at a port of entry) and needs an offer of employment from a designated employer submitted in the Employer Portal with the employer compliance fee, the provincial work permit support letter, and the language, education and work experience evidence that the AIP requires.
AIP permits are not bridging open work permits
IRCC states that applicants under the AIP or the former pilot are not eligible for a bridging open work permit (code A75), because their eligibility depends on an offer of employment from a designated employer. A change of employer therefore needs an updated provincial support letter and a new offer, not an assumption that the permit has become open.