Post-graduation work permit has expired or will expire soon. What’s next?
Post-graduation work permit holders can now either extend their permits or apply for a new one, if it has already expired, using the new Public Policy published on April 6, 2023.
The Public Policy will be available for former international students inside and outside of Canada until December 31, 2023. An application under this Public Policy can only be made online and you cannot apply at a port of entry.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for this open work permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023.
- You must include in your application the fact that you’re applying for an open work permit under this public policy.
- You have a valid passport.
- If your PGWP is still valid, the work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your current PGWP expires or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If your PGWP has expired, the work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your application is approved or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the date your PGWP expires (if your PGWP is still valid) or from the date your application is approved (if your PGWP has expired).
- For example, if your passport is valid for 12 months, you will be issued an open work permit for 12 months.
- You either
- have temporary resident status (this could be from having a valid work permit, visitor record, study permit or temporary resident permit that allows you to stay in Canada)
- lost your temporary resident status, but have already applied to restore it, or
- lost your temporary resident status, but will apply to restore it at the same time as you apply for this open work permit
- This also applies if you lost your status more than 90 days ago.
If you applied under a previous public policy for PGWP holders
Depending on when your original PGWP expired, you may also be eligible for this public policy.
If your original PGWP expired on or after September 20, 2021, and on or before December 31, 2023
You can apply under this PGWP public policy.
If your original PGWP expired before September 20, 2021
You can’t apply under this public policy.
Special instructions for this public policy
When you fill out the work permit application form
- select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit you’re applying for in the Details of intended work in Canada section
- copy and paste “2023 PGWP PP open” as the Job title
- copy and paste “Open work permit” in the Brief description of duties field
Payment of fees
You’re exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee (CAN$100). Don’t pay this fee.
You must pay
- the work permit processing fee (CAN$155)
- the biometrics fee (CAN$85), if applicable
- the restoration fee (CAN$229.77), if applicable
How to apply under a public policy if you’re outside Canada
You must apply online for this open work permit on or before December 31, 2023.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for this open work permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023.
- You must include in your application the fact that you’re applying for an open work permit under this public policy.
- You have a valid passport.
- If your PGWP is still valid, the work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your current PGWP expires or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If your PGWP has expired, the work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your application is approved or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the date your PGWP expires (if your PGWP is still valid) or from the date your application is approved (if your PGWP has expired).
- For example, if your passport is valid for 12 months, you will be issued an open work permit for 12 months.
If you applied under a previous public policy for PGWP holders
Depending on when your original PGWP expired, you may also be eligible for this public policy.
If your original PGWP expired on or after September 20, 2021, and on or before December 31, 2023
You can apply under this public policy.
If your original PGWP expired before September 20, 2021
You can’t apply under this public policy.
How to opt in to a simplified process to get a post-graduation work permit
You may qualify for a special measure that makes it easier and faster for you to get an open work permit. If you’re eligible, we’ll email you an invitation to opt in to this process.
You must opt in through your IRCC secure account before May 20, 2023. Be sure to opt in before your work permit expires.
In most cases, IRCC will mail you a new work permit by the end of June 2023. There are no fees for this work permit.
Opt in period begins April 6, 2023
What you need to do
- Check your email, including your junk folder, for messages from an email address that ends in @cic.gc.ca or @notifications.canada.ca.
- Review the conditions in the letter and make sure they apply to you:
- You reside in Canada.
- The mailing address on the letter is correct.
- Your passport information is up to date and has an expiration date of June 2025 or later.
- Log in to your IRCC secure account and select Post-graduation work permit holder: Extend your open work permit (up to an additional 18 months) and opt in to stay and work in Canada for up to an additional 18 months.
If you don’t have an IRCC secure account
You need to register for one and link to your most recent PGWP application to your account before May 20, 2023.
How long it will take to get the work permit?
You should get your work permit at your mailing address by the end of June 2023.
If you don’t opt in before your work permit expires or you’re not eligible to opt in, you must apply for a work permit.
If you opted in to the simplified process and you don’t get an extended work permit by July 31, 2023
If you’re in Canada and still want a work permit, you can still apply for one under the public policy by submitting a new work permit application.
If your PGWP expires before your new work permit arrives
During the week of April 3, IRCC will email you an interim work authorization that allows you to work in Canada until May 31, 2024.
If you received a work permit under a previous PGWP public policy
You can get a work permit under the 2023 PGWP public policy, even if you applied under a previous public policy, as long as your original post-graduate work permit expired on or after September 20, 2021, and on or before December 31, 2023.
If your original PGWP expired before September 20, 2021
You can’t apply under this public policy.
If you need a new social insurance number
To get or renew your social insurance number (SIN), you need to provide a digital copy of your work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You cannot use your interim work authorization to get your SIN. Once you receive your work permit, apply online for your SIN.
For more detailed information, please feel free to contact our office or complete our online assessment questionnaire: On-line Assessment Questionnaire
