How to Stay and Work in Canada After Your PGWP Expires
If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is about to expire and you want to keep working in Canada, don’t worry! There are other options that might let you stay and continue working legally. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can understand all the possibilities available to you.
Work Permits for Foreign Nationals
First off, anyone from outside Canada can apply for work permits, but the rules can vary depending on your situation. Let’s explore your options:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Work Permit
This type of work permit is employer-specific, which means you can only work for the employer listed on your permit. While it’s a bit tricky to get, it’s a great option for many workers because it covers most jobs in different industries.
What You Need:
To apply for this, your employer has to prove there’s a need for you by getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian government. This document shows that hiring you won’t hurt Canadian workers’ job opportunities.
Innovation Stream – Employer-Specific Work Permit
If you’ve been offered a job by one of the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) companies (which are super innovative), you may be eligible for a work permit without needing an LMIA. Canada’s government recognizes these eight companies as leaders in their fields.
What’s Cool About It:
No need for an LMIA! You can get your work permit faster if you work for one of these companies.
Work Permit Exemptions
Did you know you might not even need a work permit in certain situations? For example, if you’re doing short-term work or if you’re a business visitor, you could be exempt. Here are some situations where this might apply:
- Maintained Status: If you’re on a valid visa and waiting for something, you might be allowed to keep working without needing a new permit.
- Digital Nomads: If you’re working for a company outside of Canada, you can live in Canada as long as you aren’t working for a Canadian employer. However, remember, this won’t count towards gaining Canadian work experience for permanent residency (PR).
Special Work Permits for Certain Countries
Certain countries have special agreements with Canada, which can make getting a work permit easier for their citizens.
Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
Countries that have trade agreements with Canada (like the US and Mexico) may allow their citizens to apply for special work permits. This includes CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement).
Why It’s Helpful:
These agreements can simplify the work permit process for citizens of partner countries.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
If you’re a young adult (usually 18–35 years old), you might be able to work in Canada under IEC, which has three categories:
- Working Holiday: You don’t need a job offer to start working in Canada.
- Young Professionals: You need a job offer to work for a specific employer.
- International Co-op: If you’re a student, you can get an internship or placement with a Canadian company.
Special Rules for Certain Nationals
Canada has some special rules for people from specific countries, like Iran and Ukraine.
For Iranians:
If you’re from Iran, there’s a temporary policy allowing you to apply for a work permit even if you don’t meet regular requirements. This policy is extended until February 28, 2026, so you have time to explore this option.
For Ukrainians:
Due to the ongoing situation with Russia, Ukrainians in Canada can apply for an extension of their work permits, study permits, or visitor permits until March 31, 2026. This is part of Canada’s effort to support Ukrainians in need.
Work Permits for Spouses
If your spouse is studying, working, or is a Canadian citizen, you may qualify for a spousal open work permit. Here are the main scenarios where this applies:
- Spouse with a Study Permit: If your partner is studying in Canada (in a master’s or doctoral program), you may be eligible for an open work permit.
- Spouse with Canadian Citizenship or PR: If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residency and apply for an open work permit while waiting for approval.
- Spouse with a Work Permit: If your spouse works in certain high-demand occupations (like TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs), you can apply for a work permit while they work in Canada.
For Those on the Path to Permanent Residence (PR)
If you’re waiting for your Permanent Residency (PR) application to be processed, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This permit lets you keep working while you wait for a decision on your PR application.
What You Need:
You must be already in Canada, have valid temporary resident status, and have submitted your PR application.
Atlantic Immigration Program
If you’re interested in working in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces (like Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island), the Atlantic Immigration Program might be an option. This program is for foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in these provinces.
What You Need:
You need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, plus a referral letter from the province where you’ll work.
So, there are a lot of ways to stay and keep working in Canada, even after your PGWP expires. Whether you need a special work permit, an exemption, or are waiting for PR, there are options to keep you here legally. Make sure to explore each of these options and choose the one that fits your situation best!
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).