Current and former post-graduation work permit holders: How to apply under a public policy if you’re outside Canada

You must apply online for this open work permit on or before December 31, 2022.

You cannot apply at a port of entry.

You can only get this open work permit once, and it cannot be extended.

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, 2022 (inclusive).
• You include in your application that you’re applying for an open work permit under this public policy.
• You have a valid passport.
  • If your PGWP has expired, 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 application is approved.

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you need

• a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
• a valid credit or debit card

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application.

• Guide for applicants outside Canada

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.
• Copy and paste “PGWP PP open” as the Job title.
• Copy and paste “Open work permit” in the Brief description of duties field.

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

1. Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
2. Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Step 3: Pay your fees

You’re exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee (CAN$100). Don’t pay this fee.

You must pay the

• work permit processing fee (CAN$155)
• biometric fee, if you need to give biometrics

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

• 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”.
  • Find out if you need to give biometrics.
    • 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.”

The system will calculate the total amount you need to pay when you click “Submit”.

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.
• Answer “Yes” when asked, “Will you be coming to Canada under an active public policy or special measure announced by IRCC?”
• 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 exempt from paying only 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 Public Policy Facilitating the Issuance of an Open Work Permit to Former or Current Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders
• a copy of your fees receipt

You can upload a blank document if you’re asked for

• employment reference letter
• letter from current employer
• employment records
• CV/résumé
• employment contract
• proof that you meet the requirements of the job being offered

Create an account or sign in

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

What to do if you have problems applying online.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• Visa^®
• MasterCard^®
• American Express^®
• JCB^®
• UnionPay^® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard^® and Visa^® Debit cards for online applications only.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

We only accept Debit MasterCard^® and Visa^® Debit cards. The logos on the front of your card will show you which type of card you have.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.