Maple News reports that effective today, Canada has opened applications for a new one-time open work permit targeting former international students whose Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are expiring or have recently expired.
The initiative, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allows eligible applicants to receive an open work permit valid for up to 18 months. Unlike employer-specific work permits, this open permit enables holders to work for nearly any employer across Canada, offering broad flexibility as they seek employment.
To qualify, applicants must currently reside in Canada and meet several key criteria: their PGWP must have expired on or after January 30, 2020, or be set to expire within four months of applying; they must have valid temporary resident status or be applying to restore it; and they must hold a valid passport.
The application window officially opens today and will close on July 27, 2021. All applications must be submitted online through the IRCC portal.
This new work permit policy is part of Canada’s broader strategy to retain international talent. The Canadian government sees international graduates as vital contributors to the labor market and long-term immigration goals. The PGWP allows graduates of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to gain up to three years of Canadian work experience—an asset highly valued in federal and provincial skilled worker immigration programs.
Holding Canadian work experience frequently improves eligibility for programs such as Express Entry, the Quebec Experience Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program. These pathways often prioritize candidates who have studied or worked in Canada by awarding additional points through systems like the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
For many former international students, transitioning from temporary status to permanent residency hinges on being able to legally work in Canada. This new one-time permit option serves as a timely bridge for thousands facing uncertainty due to expiring PGWPs and pandemic-related job market challenges.
With this move, IRCC reinforces its commitment to making Canada not only a top destination for international education but also a permanent home for young, skilled professionals educated within the country’s borders.