immigration

Can I extend my time in Canada as a worker after receiving my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

August 18, 2022

Under normal circumstances, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a one-time opportunity for international students who have recently graduated. Therefore, it can only be issued once regardless of the number of education credentials completed in Canada.

However, there may be limited exceptions and some ways to extend your time in Canada as a work permit holder.

PGWP Extension due to passport expiry

The expiry of your PGWP is subject to the expiry of your passport. If you were unable to receive the full length of your PGWP because your passport expires before the PGWP validity, you may apply for a PGWP extension.

You must apply on paper if you’re extending or changing the conditions of your PGWP. You may need to change the conditions on your PGWP if you need to provide an additional document, like a medical exam, after you already applied.

You should also include a letter of explanation to discuss your specific situation.

TEMPORARY PUBLIC POLICY FOR EXPIRING PGWPs

On August 2, 2022, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a temporary public policy allowing PGWP holders to continue working in Canada by issuing open work permits.

If your PGWP is expiring between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2022, you may be eligible to extend your work permit or apply for a new work permit for an additional 18 months.

Applicants who are currently in Canada will also have authorization to work in Canada while their work permit application is in process. According to IRCC, "This one-time measure is intended to ensure that those eligible for the additional 18-month work period can remain working or can return to the workforce while they apply for a new work permit. This interim work period will be in effect until May 31, 2023."

Your next steps will depend on your individual immigration situation.

Please click the buttons below to know your things-to-do.

My PGWP has expired or will expire between September 20, 2021 and October 1, 2022.

You will need to apply online for a work permit. If you are in Canada and your temporary status has also expired, you must apply to restore your status at the same time. Under these special measures, you are allowed to restore your status, even if it expired more than 90 days ago.

You are eligible to apply from abroad if you have left Canada and return after you have been approved.

My PGWP is expiring between October 2, 2022 and December 31, 2022,

and:

My address is up to date, and my passport is valid through April 2024 You don’t need to do anything. When you receive an email from IRCC to confirm your mailing address, don’t respond. An updated work permit will be sent to your mailing address by mid-October.
I need to update my address and/or passport validity.

When you receive an email from IRCC to confirm your mailing address, follow the instructions in the email to let IRCC know that your mailing address needs to be updated.

If your passport validity doesn’t allow IRCC to extend your work permit by 18 months, you will not receive this initial email, but you will receive a separate email in September.

If you need to update your mailing address or your passport information, you will receive instructions by email in September on how to update your mailing address and passport validity in your online account. You will get a 2-week window to do so. If you update this information, you will receive an updated work permit in the mail by mid-November.

To ensure you will be able to benefit, check your passport validity and apply to extend it if it expires before April 2, 2024. If you applied for your PGWP using a paper application, make sure you have linked your application to your online account.

I won’t be able to update my address or passport validity.

You will need to apply online to extend your work permit. You could receive a work permit extended to your passport expiration date or you could wait to apply until you have renewed your passport.

NOTE: You may not apply for this work permit at a port of entry. All work permit applications for this public policy must be submitted online by December 31, 2022.

IRCC didn’t contact me.

If you do not receive an email from IRCC by mid-September, you are not eligible to have your work permit extended through this special process for another reason, such as information has been added to your file about your admissibility to Canada that will need further review. You may still apply online to extend your work permit.

NOTE: You may not apply for this work permit at a port of entry. All work permit applications for this public policy must be submitted online by December 31, 2022.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Eligible PR Applicants

Certain individuals who are currently in Canada and who have submitted a Permanent Residence (PR) application in an eligible category may extend their time in Canada as a worker by applying for a BOWP, provided that they meet the eligiblity criteria.

Below is a list of PR categories that are eligible for BOWP:

Other types of Work Permits

Most foreign nationals in Canada are required to have a valid work permit to engage in any activity that is considered "work" as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, unless you qualify for a work permit exemption. Use this tool to determine wheter you are required to hold a valid work permit.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions relating to the enrollment requirements for international students, as they pertain to your study permit, work eligibility and/or your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, please reach out to an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.  

📍 NOTE: For general inquiries regarding Permanent Residence (PR), please refer to our Resources page or email us at intl_advising@sfu.ca. Please be advised that our office does not provide case-specific advice on PR.

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