Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are open work permits issued to international students who have graduated from a Canadian educational program. This permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada without restrictions on the number of work hours.

PGWPs are valid for a duration ranging from eight months to three years, providing a valuable opportunity to gain work experience in Canada. This experience can facilitate pathways to permanent residency in Canada for the permit holder.

A PGWP is intended for international students who have obtained a diploma from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. These permits are open, allowing graduates to work for any employer across Canada.

Unlike most Canadian work permits, the PGWP is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It enables eligible graduates to gain valuable experience in Canada, making them eligible for several permanent residency programs, including:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Quebec Immigration Programs
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

To be eligible for a PGWP, an applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have studied full-time in Canada in a program lasting at least 8 months, offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Apply within 180 days of completing their program of study.

You can apply for a PGWP only once. If you plan to pursue another educational program that follows your first one or if you consider a longer program in Canada, you can strategically time your PGWP application. Applying after the longest study period can result in a PGWP valid for up to three years.

The Canadian PGWP provides a pathway for international students to obtain permanent residency. By combining Canadian education with full-time work experience, candidates are well-positioned to apply under the Express Entry system. A Canadian diploma and work experience offer valuable additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of Express Entry, enhancing the candidate’s competitiveness for permanent residency. For students in Quebec, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) also favors Canadian degree holders with work experience.

Canada is introducing changes for international students from 2024 to 2026 to improve the immigration system. Starting January 22, 2024, study permit applications will require an attestation letter from a province or territory. Effective September 1, 2024, Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility will be restricted, with students in licensed programs no longer eligible, while master’s graduates can apply for a 3-year permit. Additionally, open work permits for spouses will be limited to those of master’s, doctoral, and professional degree students.

If your spouse is working or studying in Canada, or if you have applied to be sponsored for permanent residency by your spouse or partner in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

With an open work permit, a foreign national can work for various employers across Canada while their permanent residency application is processed or while their spouse maintains a valid status in Canada. The application process for an open work permit for a spouse depends on the applicant’s status in Canada or the progress of their permanent residency application.

Individuals who have applied for sponsorship by their spouse or those whose spouse is in Canada with a study or work permit may be eligible for an open work permit. Eligibility requirements depend on the spouse’s status in Canada.

To qualify for an open work permit for spouses, you must meet certain minimum requirements, including:

• Being in a genuine relationship with a primary applicant, permanent resident, or eligible foreign national.
• Being eligible to apply as a spouse of an eligible foreign national or as a sponsor applicant in Canada.
• Not being inadmissible to Canada for criminal or medical reasons.

Additional criteria may apply depending on the specific type of OWP requested. For more information, please contact us.

The open work permit for spouses is tied to the primary permit holder’s permit and is valid only for the duration of the primary permit. If your OWP expires, you will need to submit a new application based on the primary permit holder’s status.

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign workers in Canada to extend their status while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency application. This permit is only available to individuals who have already applied for permanent residency and hold a valid work permit. An approved BOWP application results in the issuance of an open work permit.

Open work permits generally allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada. However, there are exceptions:

• Applicants from Quebec usually must work exclusively in Quebec, as per their BOWP conditions.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants typically must work in the province specified on their BOWP.

The standard duration of a BOWP is 24 months.

If the BOWP holder works in a qualified profession in Canada, their spouse may apply for an open work permit. Dependent children can accompany the BOWP holder by applying for visitor status.

Choosing our legal services for your open work permit application provides you with tailored guidance specific to your unique circumstances. Our experienced immigration lawyers assess your individual situation to recommend the most appropriate work permit category, ensuring your application is robust and well-prepared. We offer expert advice and support throughout the process, addressing any challenges and increasing your likelihood of a successful outcome. With our personalized approach, you receive focused, strategic assistance designed to meet your specific needs and goals.

We offer high-quality Canadian immigration services, provided by top immigration lawyers specializing in open  work permits  in Canada. With a meticulous, detail-driven approach, we ensure that every case is handled with precision, leaving nothing to chance. This commitment to excellence is the key to our success and our proven track record of successful outcomes for clients. Our services are accessible online from anywhere, at competitive rates, with no hidden fees. We proudly serve clients across Canada and around the world, including in: