- Roobal Rani
- 2025/02/25
2 Min Read
No, you generally cannot apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you have already been issued one in the past. The PGWP is a one-time opportunity for international students who graduate from eligible Canadian Designated Learning institutions.
However, there are a few exceptions and alternative options that may match to one's situation.
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Special policy changes by IRCC
- The Canadian government occasionally introduces temporary policies allowing PGWP holders to extend or reapply under certain conditions. You should check the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website if you may be eligible to extend or reapply under special policies.
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If you had to Renew your Passport
You can extend your PGWP with your new passport only if- you were eligible for a PGWP but
- you didn’t get the full length because your passport was going to expire
Include this information in a letter of explanation when you apply to extend your PGWP
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If you completed a new PGWP-eligible program at a higher level
- For example if your previous PGWP was based on a shorter program (e.g., a one-year diploma), and you have now completed a longer eligible program (e.g., a master's degree), you may not get another PGWP. However, you could be eligible for other work permits (like employer-specific work permits).
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Employer-Specific Work Permits
- If you're ineligible for a second PGWP, you might still qualify for an employer-specific work permit through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or other programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The work permits people get through LMIA is employer specific (not the open work permit, you are only allowed to work for the particular employer mentioned on your LMIA).
Note- None of the above statements are legal advice and are not meant to be the same for everyone. You must check the latest policy from the IRCC website before applying. Everything is stated clearly on the official website, still if you don't understand something, you can seek legal advice.
Roobal Rani,RCIC-IRB
[email protected]Source-https://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=676&top=29
https://www.canadavisa.com/pgwp-holders-apply-for-an-open-work-permit-extension.html
- If you're ineligible for a second PGWP, you might still qualify for an employer-specific work permit through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or other programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The work permits people get through LMIA is employer specific (not the open work permit, you are only allowed to work for the particular employer mentioned on your LMIA).
