Translation:
If Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Is Expiring: Legal Work Options in Canada
If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is about to expire, there are several options available for continuing to work legally in Canada. Below are the options based on different situations:
Work Permits for All Foreign Nationals
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
A work permit under the TFWP is employer-specific, meaning you are only authorized to work for the employer listed on the permit. To obtain this permit, your employer must receive a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Innovation Stream Work Permit
If you have received a job offer from an employer participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP), you may be eligible for an employer-specific work permit under the Innovation Stream. This initiative includes eight Canadian companies recognized as industry leaders and innovators. Eligible workers do not require an LMIA when hired by one of these companies.
Work Permit Exemptions
In certain cases, you may not need a work permit to work in Canada, depending on the type and duration of work. For example, business visitors and public speakers (speaking at events lasting less than five days) may qualify for an exemption.
Foreign nationals working remotely for non-Canadian employers may also be allowed to work in Canada on a visitor visa (valid for up to six months), provided their employer is located outside of Canada. However, this type of work does not count as Canadian work experience for permanent residence pathways.
Foreign Nationals from Specific Countries
Free Trade Agreements
If you are a citizen of a country that has a free trade agreement with Canada, you may be eligible for a work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP). For example, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) offers such opportunities.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
This program allows young adults from certain countries to work in Canada for a limited period (usually up to 2 years). Age requirements are typically between 18 and 35, though some countries have a 30-year limit. The IEC has three main categories:
- Working Holiday: An open work permit that doesn’t require a job offer and allows participants to work for any employer in Canada.
- Young Professionals: An employer-specific work permit for those who have a job offer in Canada.
- International Co-op (Internship): An employer-specific work permit for students in post-secondary institutions with an internship/job offer in Canada.
Iranian Nationals
Under a temporary public policy, certain Iranian nationals with valid temporary resident status who arrived in Canada by February 28, 2025, can apply for a special open work permit, even if they do not meet the usual eligibility requirements. This policy has been extended until February 28, 2026.
Ukrainian Nationals
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada introduced the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). Ukrainian nationals who arrived in Canada by March 31, 2024, can apply to extend their work, study, or visitor status until March 31, 2026.
Foreign Nationals on the Path to Permanent Residency
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Foreign nationals awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, which allows them to continue working in Canada during the processing period. These permits are typically valid for up to 24 months and are not employer-specific.
Atlantic Immigration Program
This is a dedicated pathway to permanent residency for eligible foreign workers and international graduates who want to work in the Atlantic provinces of Canada. To qualify, candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, and the province must endorse the offer.
Foreign Nationals with Spousal Support
Post-secondary Studies
If your spouse is studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution, you may apply for an open spousal work permit. This permit is generally valid for the same duration as your spouse’s study permit.
Family Sponsorship
If your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and has sponsored you for permanent residency, you can apply for an open work permit while your application is being processed.
Spouse of a Foreign Worker
If your spouse is working in Canada as a foreign worker in an eligible occupation, and their work permit is valid for at least 16 months, you may be eligible for an open spousal work permit.
Let me know if you’d like help identifying which option might suit your case best.