What changed on August 10
IRCC updated the officer instructions titled "Permanent resident (PR) applicants in Canada [R207 – A70] – International Mobility Program" on August 10, 2026. The instructions are used by officers who assess work permit applications from people who have already been found eligible, or approved, in certain in-Canada permanent residence classes.
The instruction page was first issued in 2014. This is therefore an update of existing guidance, not a new permanent residence program and not a new right to work. IRCC's page does not add a summary of what was edited, so read the live instructions rather than relying on a summary of the changes.
Who the A70 instructions cover
A70 is the administrative code for work permits issued under paragraphs (b) to (e) of section 207 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. The four groups are:
- R207(b): applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
- R207(c): persons with protected status under section 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), such as Convention refugees and applicants whose pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) was successful.
- R207(d): permanent residence applicants approved on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, whether at the person's request under IRPA s. 25(1), on the Minister's own initiative under s. 25.1(1), or for public policy reasons under s. 25.2(1).
- R207(e): family members in Canada of the people in groups (b), (c) and (d).
What the update does not do
Having a permanent residence application in process does not, by itself, make a person eligible for a work permit under A70. The person must fit one of the R207 paragraphs above and meet the requirements that apply to that group.
The instructions apply to applications assessed inside Canada. IRCC states that applicants in Canada cannot make this application at a port of entry.
Practical file review
- Identify the exact R207 paragraph and the permanent residence class before relying on A70.
- Confirm that the stage required for that class has been reached. Filing a permanent residence application may not be enough.
- Read the A70 instructions together with IRCC's general open work permit and permit-validity instructions.
- Gather evidence of identity, current status, the relevant decision in the permanent residence class and, for family members, the qualifying relationship.
- Check the live IRCC instructions again on the day you file, because officer guidance and document requirements can change.