If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is about to expire, don’t worry—you have several ways to stay and legally work in Canada. Whether you want to apply for another work permit, explore a new program, or extend your current stay, this guide covers all your options.
Below, you’ll find different work permit types based on your unique situation.
Summary of Work Permit Options in Canada
| Situation | Work Permit Type | Key Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Any foreign national | Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approval. Employer must meet program-specific criteria. |
| Job offer from GHP employer | Innovation Stream Work Permit | Job offer from a company in the Global Hypergrowth Project (no LMIA required). |
| Free Trade Agreement (FTA) | International Mobility Program (IMP) | You must be from a country with a free trade agreement with Canada. |
| Youth mobility agreement | International Experience Canada (IEC) | Open to citizens of countries with bilateral agreements with Canada. Age limit applies. |
| Special Cases | Work Permits for Iranians and Ukrainians | Specific eligibility rules apply based on arrival date and public policies. |
| PR Applicants | Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Must have applied for permanent residence (PR) and meet BOWP eligibility criteria. |
| Atlantic Immigration | Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | Must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada and meet additional program rules. |
| Spousal Work Permit | Spousal Open Work Permit | Depends on spouse’s work/study status and the duration of their permit. |
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
If you are looking for a closed or employer-specific work permit, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is one option. It allows you to work only for the employer listed on your permit.
To qualify, your employer must first get a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Innovation Stream Work Permit – Global Hypergrowth Project
You may qualify for a special employer-specific work permit if you have a job offer from a company participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP).
These eight innovative Canadian companies are identified as key players in the tech and innovation space. Eligible candidates working for these employers do not need an LMIA.
Work Permit Exemptions
In some cases, you may not need a work permit at all. Here are a few examples:
- Business Visitors: Temporary work without a permit, such as attending conferences or meetings.
- Maintained Status: If you applied to extend your permit before it expired, you might be eligible for maintained status while waiting for the decision.
- Remote Workers: You may work remotely in Canada if your employer is located outside the country, but this work experience won’t count toward Canadian permanent residence.
Free Trade Agreements and IMP Work Permits
If you’re a citizen of a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada, you might qualify for a special International Mobility Program (IMP) work permit.
For example, citizens of the U.S. and Mexico may apply under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Each FTA has specific requirements, so check if you’re eligible based on your nationality.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
International Experience Canada (IEC) is designed for young adults from countries with youth mobility agreements with Canada. This program typically allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for up to two years.
IEC includes three streams:
- Working Holiday – An open work permit that lets you work for any employer in Canada.
- Young Professionals – A closed work permit tied to a specific employer.
- International Co-op (Internship) – For students seeking work experience as part of their post-secondary education.
Eligibility depends on your country’s agreement with Canada and your age, typically between 18 and 35.
Special Work Permits for Iranians and Ukrainians
For Iranian Nationals:
If you are an Iranian citizen with valid temporary resident status in Canada, you may qualify for a special work permit under a temporary public policy. To be eligible, you must have arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025. This policy has been extended to February 28, 2026.
For Ukrainian Nationals (CUAET Program):
Ukrainian citizens who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) may apply for an extended work, study, or visitor permit until March 31, 2026.
Spousal Open Work Permits
If your spouse is in Canada, you may be eligible for a spousal open work permit based on their status. This includes:
- Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents: You can apply for a spousal open work permit while waiting for your family sponsorship application to be processed. (Learn more about family sponsorship and apply here: Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration)
- Spouses of international students enrolled in a qualifying master’s or doctoral program.
- Spouses of foreign workers in skilled occupations, provided the work permit is valid for at least 16 more months.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
If you’ve applied for permanent residence and are waiting for a decision, you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to continue working in Canada.
To qualify, you must:
- Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada.
- Have a PR application in progress under an eligible program (e.g., Express Entry).
- Have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven pathway to PR. It helps skilled workers and international graduates live and work in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador).
To be eligible, you’ll need:
- A job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
- A referral letter from the province.
Once you’ve applied for PR through AIP, you can also apply for a work permit to start working while your application is being processed.
