Many Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders in Canada face a challenging situation when their permit nears expiry, yet they have not secured permanent residence (PR) status. This issue is expected to become more widespread, as PR targets for the next two years have been reduced, with projected quotas falling short, well beyond, the number of individuals whose PGWPs are set to expire.

A frequently asked question among PGWP holders is: Can they apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

In short, PGWP holders are not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) unless they have applied for permanent residence through an eligible program. However, there are still alternative ways to extend work authorization.

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a temporary work permit that allows individuals who have applied for permanent residence (PR) to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision on their application.

Unfortunately, PGWP holders who have not yet applied for PR do not qualify for a BOWP.

What Can PGWP Holders Do When Their Permit Expires?

If your PGWP is expiring and you don’t qualify for a BOWP, here are some options:

1. Apply for Permanent Residence and Then a BOWP

If you qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry, PNP, or another program, ensure you submit your application before your PGWP expires. After receiving your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC, you may be eligible for a BOWP, allowing you to continue working while awaiting your PR decision.

2. Apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit

If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, they may be able to support you with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt work permit. This allows you to continue working legally in Canada.

3. Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permit

Certain provinces provide work permits to PGWP holders who have been nominated for permanent residence under a PNP stream. If you have a provincial nomination, you may qualify for a work permit while your PR application is being processed.

4. Check for Special PGWP Extensions

IRCC occasionally introduces special policies permitting PGWP extensions. In recent years, for instance, 18-month PGWP extensions have been offered to address labor shortages. Stay updated with IRCC announcements to check if you qualify. This option seems to be extremely rare but we have seen IRCC springing surprises like these.

5. Switch to a Visitor Status

If none of the above options work, you may apply to change your status to visitor to legally remain in Canada while exploring other immigration pathways. However, visitor status does not allow you to work.

Conclusion

PGWP holders are not automatically eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), but they still have options to stay and work in Canada. If your PGWP is nearing expiry, plan ahead by applying for PR, a work permit, or an extension if one is available.  

For personalized immigration advice, consider booking a consultation with me at [email protected].