Can I Apply for Open Work Permit After PGWP Expires?

Many international graduates frequently ask, “Can I apply for open work permit after PGWP expires?” When a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) ends, it can impact legal status and employment eligibility in Canada. The PGWP offers valuable post-study work experience but cannot typically be renewed. To stay and work legally, graduates must explore new immigration pathways such as open work permits, Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP), or spousal permits. For applicants in Surrey, BC, understanding current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies is essential to maintaining lawful status and securing continued career opportunities in Canada.

Understanding Your PGWP and Its Validity

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is issued once in a lifetime to international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions. It allows them to work for any employer in Canada, making it an open work permit. The duration usually depends on the length of your study program and can last up to three years.

PGWP Duration	Eligible Study Program Length	Notes
8 months to <2 years	Same as program duration	Example: 1-year diploma = 1-year PGWP
2 years or longer	Up to 3 years	Most Master’s and Bachelor’s graduates
Multiple programs combined	Based on the total duration	Must be consecutive and full-time

Once the PGWP expires, it cannot normally be renewed. You must either change your status, apply for another open work permit (if eligible), or transition toward permanent residency. Understanding your permit’s expiry date and options before it lapses helps avoid legal issues and interruptions in employment.

What Are Your Options After PGWP Expires?

When your PGWP expires, several routes are available depending on your situation and eligibility. Below are the most common options for international graduates:

Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

If you’ve submitted a permanent residency application under Express Entry, BC PNP, or another PR stream, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This permit allows you to continue working in Canada while awaiting your PR decision. It’s a valuable option for graduates whose PGWP has expired but who wish to maintain continuous employment and legal status.

Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

If your spouse holds a valid study permit or work permit, you can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) even after your PGWP expires. This option enables you to stay and work in Canada legally while your spouse continues their authorized status. It’s a popular route for couples in Surrey, BC, looking to extend their time and employment opportunities in Canada.

Restore Status as a Worker or Visitor

After your PGWP expires, you have 90 days to restore your status as a worker or visitor in Canada. During this period, you can apply to stay legally while preparing for another immigration or work permit application. Restoring your status promptly helps you avoid gaps in your legal stay and ensures compliance with IRCC regulations, especially if you plan to reapply for an open work permit later.

Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-Based)

If your current employer is willing to support you, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer. This type of permit ties you to a particular employer and position, allowing continued employment after PGWP expiry. It’s ideal for those with strong job offers in Surrey, BC, and a desire to transition toward permanent residency.

Can I Apply for Open Work Permit After PGWP Expires?

Yes, you can apply for an open work permit after your PGWP expires, depending on your eligibility and current immigration status. If you have already submitted a permanent residency (PR) application, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which allows you to continue working legally in Canada while your PR is in process. Those whose spouses hold valid study or work permits can also apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

Can You Transition from PGWP to Permanent Residency?

Yes, transitioning from a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to Permanent Residency (PR) is one of the most common immigration goals for international graduates in Canada. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry is the primary route, as it values skilled Canadian work experience gained during the PGWP period. Applicants who meet language, education, and work experience criteria can qualify for faster PR processing.

If you apply for PR before your PGWP expires, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), allowing you to continue working legally while awaiting a decision. Graduates living and working in Surrey, BC, can also explore the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), which offers dedicated pathways for skilled professionals and recent graduates. Understanding these programs and aligning your profile with IRCC requirements significantly improves your PR eligibility and ensures a smoother transition from temporary status to permanent residency in Canada.

How to Apply for a New Open Work Permit After PGWP Expiry?

If eligible, you can apply for a new open work permit using the following process:

Check Eligibility

Before applying, verify that you qualify under a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), or a valid IRCC public policy. Eligibility depends on your immigration status, current permit, and application history. Confirming eligibility early ensures your open work permit after PGWP expiry is processed smoothly without rejection or delays.

Gather Documents

Prepare all required documents such as your valid passport, previous permits, proof of PR application, marriage certificate (if applying under SOWP), and employment letters. Ensure your documents are accurate and up to date. Submitting a complete application improves approval chances for your open work permit after PGWP expires and helps maintain legal status in Canada.

Apply Online through IRCC

Submit your open work permit application through your IRCC online account. This secure portal allows you to upload documents, track your progress, and receive updates. Be sure to apply before your PGWP expiry or within the 90-day restoration period to avoid losing legal status or work authorization in Surrey, BC, or across Canada.

Pay the Application Fees

Pay all required IRCC application fees, which include work permit processing and biometrics (if applicable). Payments are made directly through the IRCC portal during submission. Keeping your payment records ensures transparency and timely processing. Accurate fee payment is essential to prevent application delays for your open work permit after PGWP expiry.

Wait for Approval

After submission, monitor your IRCC account for updates on your open work permit application. Processing times vary but typically range from 60–90 days. During this period, you may be eligible for implied status, allowing you to continue working legally in Canada while waiting for a decision. Always track updates to avoid missing important IRCC notifications.

Who Qualifies for an Open Work Permit After PGWP?

You may qualify for an open work permit after PGWP expires if:

• You have applied for permanent residence and are awaiting a decision.

• Your spouse holds a valid work or study permit.

• You are eligible under a temporary public policy (PGWP extension program).

• You have applied for restoration of your temporary resident status.

• You were affected by special measures announced by IRCC.

Final Words

Understanding “Can I apply for open work permit after PGWP expires?” is essential for international graduates planning to extend their stay in Canada. While a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) cannot typically be renewed, several options allow continued legal status and employment, including the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), and restoration of status. 

Staying informed about the latest IRCC policies and temporary public programs, such as PGWP extensions, helps applicants make the right decisions. Graduates in Surrey, BC, and across Canada should carefully plan before their PGWP expiry to avoid gaps in authorization and maintain eligibility for permanent residency pathways. Exploring these options ensures a smooth transition from temporary work authorization to long-term settlement in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Can I apply for SOWP while waiting for PGWP?

Yes, if your spouse has a valid study or work permit, you can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) while your PGWP is being processed or even after it expires, as long as your status remains valid.

• Can I extend my PGWP after it expires?

Normally, no. The Post-Graduation Work Permit is a one-time benefit. However, IRCC may announce temporary public policies that allow eligible graduates to apply for an open work permit extension.

• What happens if I don’t apply before my PGWP expires?

If your PGWP expires, you lose your right to work. You have 90 days to restore your status as a worker or visitor, or you must leave Canada.

• What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A BOWP allows you to continue working while waiting for your permanent residency application decision. You must have a valid PR application in process with IRCC.

ADMIRE IMMIGRATION SERVICES INC.

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ADMIRE IMMIGRATION SERVICES INC

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