Published on January 27, 2021
Today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) begins to accept open work permit applications under the Public Policy Facilitating the Insurance of an Open Work Permit to Former or Current Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Holders.
The new open work permit will be 18 months in length.
Eligibility Requirements
- Your Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) has expired on or after January 30, 2020. You are also eligible if your PGWP is about to expire in 4 months.
- As of January 27, 2021, you always have been in Canada.
- You have a valid temporary resident status in Canada, such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa/record. If you have lost your status, you may still be eligible if you have applied for restoration.
- You have a valid passport.
Additionally, you need to indicate that you apply for this specific type of open work permit by enclosing a letter with your application.
Things to keep in mind
You can only get this open work permit once.
The validity of this open work permit is either 18 months or up to the expiration date of your passport, whichever comes first.
Further, if you receive an open work permit that is valid for less than 18 months, you cannot apply to extend it later. Therefore, some of you may need to renew your passport first.
How you may apply
You must submit your application online.
The paper application is only an option if your disabilities prevent you to do so, or there is a technical problem with the online application.
Processing Fees
You are responsible for the work permit application fee (CAD$155) and the open work permit holder fee (CAD$100).
If you need to restore your status, the fee of the restoration application will also apply to you.
Application period
IRCC only accepts applications for open work permits between January 27 and July 27, 2021.
For more information about this application, you may visit the IRCC’s Apply for an open work permit under a public policy web page.
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