Current and former post-graduation work permit holders: How to apply under a public policy if you’re in Canada
You must apply online for this open work permit on or before December 31, 2023.
You can’t apply at a port of entry.
You can only get this open work permit once, and it can’t be extended.
This guidance is for clients who have not been extended through the opt in simplified process.
Who can apply
To be eligible for this open work permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023.
- You must include in your application the fact that you’re applying for an open work permit under this public policy.
- You have a valid passport.
- If your PGWP is still valid, and you are applying regularly, the work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your current PGWP expires or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If your PGWP has expired, you must apply regularly. The work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your application is approved or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the date your PGWP expires (if your PGWP is still valid) or from the date your application is approved (if your PGWP has expired).
- For example, if your passport is valid for 24 months, you will be issued an open work permit for the full 18 months. However, if your passport is valid for 12 months, you will be issued an open work permit for 12 months.
- You either
- have temporary resident status (this could be from having a valid work permit, visitor record, study permit or temporary resident permit that allows you to stay in Canada)
- lost your temporary resident status, but have already applied to restore it, or
- lost your temporary resident status, but will apply to restore it at the same time as you apply for this open work permit
- This also applies if you lost your status more than 90 days ago.
If you applied under a previous public policy for PGWP holders
Depending on when your original PGWP expired, you may also be eligible for this public policy.
If your original PGWP expired on or after September 20, 2021, and on or before December 31, 2023
You can apply under this PGWP public policy.
If your original PGWP expired before September 20, 2021
You can’t apply under this public policy. If you want to work in Canada, you need to apply for another work permit.
If you’re a representative
If you’re applying for a client, you can use the Authorized Paid Representatives Portal to apply for an open work permit under this public policy. To apply
- use the form Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a worker
- attach a letter explaining that you’re applying under the open work permit public policy for former or current PGWP holders
Step 1: Make sure you have what you need
To apply online, you need
Step 2: Read the instruction guide
Read the instruction guide before you complete your application.
Once you get your document checklist, fill out the application form.
The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.
Special instructions for this public policy
When you fill out the work permit application form
- select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit you’re applying for in the Details of intended work in Canada section
- Do not select “Post Graduation Work Permit.”
- copy and paste “2023 PGWP PP open” as the Job title
- copy and paste “Open Work Permit” in the Brief description of duties field
Venezuelan passport holders
You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.
Step 3: Pay your fees
You’re exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee (CAN$100). Don’t pay this fee.
To pay your fees correctly, you must follow the instructions on this page, including
- how to pay your fees
- how to answer the questions in the online application
You must pay
- the work permit processing fee (CAN$155)
- the biometrics fee (CAN$85), if applicable
- the restoration fee (CAN$229), if applicable
Because you’re exempt from paying one of the fees (open work permit holder fee), you need to pay your fees before you apply online.
How to pay your fees
How to pay your fees if you have valid temporary resident status
- Go to fees for temporary residence applications.
- Scroll down to the row for workers.
- Select “Work permit (including extensions) – per person.”
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just your own work permit, enter “1”.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you need to give biometrics, scroll down to the row for biometrics.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just yourself, enter “1.”
- If you’re applying for 2 or more people, choose Biometrics – per family and enter “1.”
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- Select “Work permit (including extensions) – per person.”
The system will calculate the total amount you need to pay when you click “Submit.”
How to pay your fees if you need to restore your status
- Go to fees for temporary residence applications.
- Scroll down to the row for your previous status (for example “Workers” if your work permit has expired).
- Select “Restore your status as a worker.”
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just your own work permit, enter “1”.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you need to give biometrics, scroll down to the row for biometrics.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just yourself, enter “1”.
- If you’re applying for 2 or more people, choose Biometrics – per family and enter “1”.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- Select “Restore your status as a worker.”
Keep your receipt
After you pay your fee, keep a copy of the receipt. You’ll need to upload it when you apply online for your work permit.
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline on your biometric instruction letter, there may be temporary measures in place to help you.
Step 4: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to
- pay your fees
- submit your application forms
- check your status
How to start your application
Once you sign in to your account, you’ll need to
- go to the “Start your application” section on the welcome page
- click on “Apply to come to Canada”
- on the next page, scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section
- click on the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button
Get your document checklist
You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.
Make sure you answer these questions correctly.
- You would like to work temporarily.
- Answer either less than or more than 6 months.
- You must select “worker” as your current immigration status.
- When asked “When does your status in Canada expire?” enter the date that your status expires or expired.
- If your status is still valid or expired less than 90 days ago, please enter the true expiry date.
- If your status expired more than 90 days ago, choose any date that is within the past 90 days. (This is a temporary workaround to allow you to apply past the 90 day deadline.)
- Answer “yes” when asked the following question:
Does one of the following apply to you:
- I am subject to a removal order that is unenforceable
- I applied for a study or work permit before entering Canada which was approved, but not issued at a port of entry
- I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student, in Canada with visitor status
- I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC
- I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada
- I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first stage approval) under one of the following classes:
- spouse or common-law partner in Canada
- humanitarian and compassionate cases
- protected persons in Canada
- live-in caregiver in Canada
- Answer “No, I am exempt from paying fees for the application” to the question There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?
- You’re only exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee. Check Step 3: Pay your fees.
Upload the correct documents
You need to include the documents listed in your application, including
- a letter that says you’re applying for an open work permit under the 2023 Public Policy Facilitating the Issuance of an Open Work Permit to Certain Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders
- a copy of your fees receipt
Check your email for an interim work authorization
During the week of April 3, we’ll email some current and former PGWP holders a letter. If you’re in Canada, you can use this letter to start working right away or to continue working until May 31, 2024. Find out more about this letter.
If you can’t apply online
You can submit a paper application if either
- you can’t apply online because of a disability
- there’s a problem with the online application
If you need a new social insurance number
To get or renew your social insurance number (SIN), you need to provide a digital copy of your work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You cannot use your interim work authorization to get your SIN.
Once you receive your work permit, apply online for your SIN.
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