If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is about to expire, don’t worry—there are several other options to legally stay and work in Canada. There are opportunities available based on your specific situation. We’ll explore the different options to extend your stay or transition to a different work permit in this guide.
Work Permits for Foreign Nationals
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows foreign nationals to work in Canada. It requires an employer-specific or closed work permit. This means you can only work for the employer listed on your permit.
To apply for a TFWP work permit, your employer needs to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian job market.
TFWP work permits are available for various industries and occupations, and the eligibility criteria are broad, making it a good option for many foreign workers.
Learn more about TFWP work permits and the LMIA process here.
Innovation Stream Employer-Specific Work Permit
If you’ve been offered a job by a company participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP), you may qualify for a special employer-specific work permit under the Innovation Stream.
The GHP includes eight Canadian companies recognized for their leadership in innovation. These companies can hire foreign workers without needing an LMIA. You can see the full list of participating companies here.
Work Permit Exemptions
There are situations where foreign workers might not need a work permit. These exemptions are available in certain circumstances:
- Maintained Status: You may be able to continue working while waiting for the new permit if you’re in Canada on a valid status and are transitioning to a new work permit.
- Business Visitors: Those attending meetings or conferences may be exempt from needing a work permit if the work is short-term.
- Public Speakers: You might not need a work permit if you’re speaking at a public event for less than five days.
Additionally, remote work may not require a Canadian work permit if you’re working for a foreign employer. Remote work for an employer outside Canada will not count toward Canadian work experience for permanent residency purposes.
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Special Work Permits for Foreign Nationals from Certain Countries
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
Canada has agreements with several countries that allow citizens from partner nations to apply for work permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP). A prime example is the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). If you’re from a country with a free trade agreement with Canada then it’s worth checking whether you qualify for a work permit under the terms of that agreement.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a popular program for young adults from specific countries. It allows them to work in Canada for up to two years, depending on their nationality and age (typically 18 to 35 years old). There are three key categories under IEC:
- Working Holiday: This open work permit does not require a job offer, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada.
- Young Professionals: An employer-specific work permit for those with a job offer in Canada.
- International Co-op (Internship): An employer-specific work permit for students who have secured an internship or placement in Canada.
You can find out if your country has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada to see if you qualify for an IEC work permit.
Special Work Permits for Iranians
Certain Iranians may qualify for a special work permit under a temporary public policy, even if they don’t meet the standard requirements for a Canadian work permit. This applies to Iranian nationals who have valid temporary resident status in Canada and arrived on or before February 28, 2025. The public policy has been extended until February 28, 2026.
Special Measures for Ukrainians
Canada has introduced the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) in response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. This provides special provisions for Ukrainian nationals. Any Ukrainian national who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024 can apply for an extension of your work, study, or visitor permit until March 31, 2026 through CUAET.
Work Permits for Foreign Nationals with Spousal Support
If your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residence (PR) then you can apply for an open work permit while waiting for the PR process to complete.
Similarly, if your spouse is a foreign worker holding a valid work permit in Canada, you may be eligible for a spousal open work permit. This only applies if your spouse works in a TEER 0, TEER 1, or specific TEER 2 or 3 occupations, and their work permit is valid for at least 16 months.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
If you’ve already applied for permanent residence (PR) through an eligible economic immigration program, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This work permit allows you to continue working in Canada while awaiting your PR application’s decision.
To qualify for a BOWP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be residing in Canada with valid temporary resident status
- Have submitted a PR application under an eligible program
- Hold an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for your PR application
BOWPs are typically issued for up to 24 months and are employer-independent.
Atlantic Immigration Program
If you are a foreign worker or international graduate interested in working in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador), the Atlantic Immigration Program may be a suitable pathway to PR.
To qualify for this program, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. If your application is in process then you can apply for a work permit while awaiting a decision.
Eligibility for this work permit requires:
- A job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province
- A referral letter from the Atlantic province where you will work
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many avenues for foreign nationals to stay and work in Canada even after their Post-Graduation Work Permit expires. Whether you are applying for a TFWP, taking advantage of work permit exemptions, or exploring pathways under special public policies, you have various options depending on your situation.
You can find a summary of the options below in a tabular format.
| Situation | Work Permit Type | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Any foreign national | Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit | – Employer must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMA) with a positive or neutral result. – Your employer must meet various other criteria, depending on the stream. |
| Innovation stream, employer specific work permit | – Job offer from an employer participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project. | |
| Work permit exemptions | These are situations where work permits are not needed | Varies. |
| Foreign nationals of certain countries | Free Trade Agreement | – Must be a foreign national from a country with a free trade agreement with Canada. – Eligibility varies depending on the agreement. |
| International Experience Canada | – Must be foreign national from a country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada. – Must be under the age of 35 (30 for some countries). |
|
| Special work permit for Iranians | Must have arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025. | |
| Special work permit for Ukrainians | Must have arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024. | |
| Foreign nationals who have applied for permanent residency | Bridging open work permit | Must have a PR application in process. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | – Must have a job offer from an employer on the designated employer list in the Atlantic provinces – The province must endorse the job offer. |
|
| Foreign nationals with spousal support | Post secondary studies | Have a spouse enrolled in a qualifying program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. – Spouse must have at least 16 months remaining on their study permit. |
| Family sponsorship | Have a spouse who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and must have sponsored you for a submitted permanent residence application. | |
| Work permit | – Have a spouse working in an eligible occupation. – The spouse must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit. |
We post the latest news and updates related to immigration on our website regularly. Visit our website to check out our blogs and latest immigration news updates. Schedule a consultation with us for more information on specific work permits or to check your eligibility.
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