Work Permits
Work Permit Services
Professional Guidance for Working in Canada
Work permits authorize foreign nationals to work legally in Canada under specific conditions. Canada offers various work permit categories including post-graduation work permits for international graduates, spousal open work permits for family members of workers and students, bridging open work permits for permanent residence applicants, and employer-specific work permits for those with job offers. We provide comprehensive work permit consulting services to help you navigate eligibility requirements, documentation standards, and application processes.
As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, we stay current with evolving work permit policies and help you maximize your opportunities to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
What is a PGWP
A post-graduation work permit allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The PGWP is a one-time opportunity for international students who have graduated from a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution. The length of your PGWP depends on the length of your study program, and it cannot be longer than three years.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet all eligibility requirements:
- You completed a program of study at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs)
- You maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program (you may study part-time during your final semester)
- You apply for your PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program of study
- Your study permit was valid at some point during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application
Language Requirements
If you submitted your PGWP application on or after November 1, 2024, you must meet language requirements:
For bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree graduates
- Canadian Language Benchmark or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens level 7 in all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
For college, polytechnic, and other non-degree program graduates
- Canadian Language Benchmark or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens level 5 in all four language areas
Language tests must be taken in person and results must be included with your application.
Field of Study Requirements
If you submitted your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024 and graduated from a non-degree program such as diplomas, certificates, or post-graduate certificates, your program must fall under a PGWP-eligible field of study aligned to long-term labour shortages.
Degree-level graduates from bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs do not have field of study restrictions but do have language requirements. The PGWP-eligible field of study list is frozen for 2026 with no additions or removals.
Distance Learning Requirements
If your lock-in date (the earlier of your program start date or study permit application receipt date) is on or after September 1, 2024, you must complete at least 50 percent of your program in class within Canada. Time spent studying outside of Canada will be deducted from the length of your PGWP.
Public-Private Partnership Programs
Programs delivered by a private career college on behalf of a public PGWP-eligible institution are not PGWP-eligible in most cases.
Exception 1: If you began a program at a private college being delivered on behalf of a public college in the same province on or before May 15, 2024, you may be eligible.
Exception 2: If you began a program at a private college being delivered on behalf of a public college in another province on or before January 31, 2023, you may be eligible.
Master's Degree Benefits
Most master's program graduates are eligible for a three-year post-graduation work permit even if their program lasted less than two years, assuming all other criteria are met. This represents a significant advantage for master's students.
Application Timing
You have up to 180 days after graduation to apply for a PGWP. You must maintain or restore your status if your study permit expires while waiting for final marks. You cannot apply for a PGWP at the border. You must apply online from inside or outside Canada.
PGWP Extension for Passport Expiry
Post-graduation work permits are a one-time opportunity and cannot be renewed. However, you can extend your PGWP with your new passport only if you were eligible for a PGWP but did not get the full length because your passport was going to expire. To apply for a PGWP extension due to passport expiry, you must renew your passport first before submitting your extension application. Include a letter of explanation clearly stating that your PGWP was issued for a shorter duration due to passport expiry and that you are applying for an extension to receive the full length you were entitled to.
Spousal Open Work Permit
What is a Spousal Open Work Permit
A spousal open work permit allows the spouse or common-law partner of certain foreign workers and students to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment. An open work permit is not job-specific, providing flexibility to work for any employer in any occupation (subject to general restrictions on certain types of work).
Eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits
Eligibility depends on your spouse or common-law partner's occupation, immigration pathway, and duration of their work authorization:
Spouse of a Skilled Worker in TEER 0 or 1 Occupation
- Your spouse must hold a valid work permit (or approval for one) in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation
- Your spouse must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of your application
- Your spouse must live and work in Canada or clearly intend to
Spouse of a Skilled Worker in TEER 2 or 3 Occupation
- Your spouse must work in an eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupation
- The list includes many skilled trades, healthcare, and technical roles
- Your spouse must hold a valid work permit with at least 16 months remaining
Spouse of an International Student
- Your spouse must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program at a designated learning institution
- The program must be at least 8 months long
- Some provinces have specific requirements for spousal open work permits for international students
Spouse of a Permanent Residence Applicant
- Your spouse has applied for permanent residence through certain economic immigration programs
- Processing times and specific eligibility vary by program
General Requirements
All spousal open work permit applicants must meet Canada's general work permit requirements:
- Hold or restore valid temporary resident status
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family
- Show intent to leave Canada once the permit expires unless they later gain permanent residence
- Meet admissibility requirements including health and security
Bridging Open Work Permit
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit
A bridging open work permit allows foreign nationals to keep working in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application. BOWPs provide work authorization that bridges the gap between an expiring work permit and a permanent residence decision.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a BOWP, you must meet the following requirements:
- You are currently in Canada after being authorized to enter as a temporary resident
- You have valid status on a work permit or have maintained status and authorization to work due to submitting an application to renew your work permit
- You have submitted an application for permanent residence under one of the eligible programs (typically Express Entry economic programs)
- Your application for permanent residence has been approved in principle or you have received acknowledgment of receipt
- Your current work permit expires in 4 months or less
You can apply for a BOWP whether your current work permit is employer-specific or open. Your eligibility hinges on having valid temporary status and a complete permanent residence application in the queue, not the type of permit you currently hold.
Application Timing
You may apply for a BOWP if your current work permit expires in 4 months or less and you are currently in Canada with valid status. Applying before your current work permit expires allows you to maintain implied status and continue working while your BOWP application is processed.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
What is an Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit allows individuals to work based upon certain conditions including the name of the employer the applicant is allowed to work for, the duration of employment allowed, and the specific location of employment. Unlike open work permits, employer-specific work permits tie authorization to work to a specific employer and position.
When We Can Help
We assist clients who already have a Labour Market Impact Assessment from their employer. We do not provide LMIA application services or employer compliance consulting. If you have received a positive LMIA from your employer, we can prepare and submit your employer-specific work permit application.
Requirements
To apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must provide you with:
- A copy of the positive Labour Market Impact Assessment
- Your job offer letter or employment contract
You must also meet general eligibility requirements for a work permit including admissibility to Canada, intention to leave at the end of your authorized stay, and compliance with all conditions of your work permit.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Some employer-specific work permits are exempt from the LMIA requirement. These include positions under international agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, intra-company transfers, and certain other categories. If your position is LMIA-exempt, your employer must provide you with an offer of employment number instead of an LMIA.
Processing Times
Processing times for work permits vary based on permit type, country of application, and individual case complexity. IRCC publishes updated processing times regularly on their official website. For current processing times specific to your country and permit type, visit the official IRCC website at canada.ca and use their processing times tool. We recommend applying well in advance of your current work permit expiry to ensure continuous work authorization.
How YCI Canada Helps
Strategic Planning
We assess your work permit category and identify the optimal pathway based on your circumstances. This includes evaluating PGWP eligibility against current language and field of study requirements, confirming spousal open work permit eligibility based on your partner's status and occupation, and verifying bridging open work permit requirements for permanent residence applicants. We determine optimal timing for your application and develop a tailored approach that addresses all eligibility criteria.
Comprehensive Review
Our detailed review ensures every element meets current IRCC standards. We verify that educational documents for PGWP applications meet program length and full-time study requirements, confirm language test results meet required benchmarks for your program level, and ensure relationship documentation for spousal applications demonstrates genuine partnership. We organize supporting materials to present a cohesive application that addresses all requirements specific to your work permit category.
Application Management
We manage the complete process from submission through decision, including accurate completion of all forms and compilation of comprehensive documentation packages. Throughout processing, we monitor application status and respond promptly to any IRCC requests. Our experience with work permit procedures and documentation standards helps ensure your application is complete, accurate, and professionally presented.
Temporary Residence Fee Structure
All fees are discussed and confirmed in writing before we begin work on your file. You will receive a comprehensive service agreement outlining the exact scope of services, fees, payment schedule, and any potential additional costs. Below fees do not include IRCC fees and applicable taxes. There are no hidden charges.
File Review
From $150
Initial Status Applications
Initial Pro
$1199
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Initial Pro Plus
$1599
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Inside Canada Status Maintenance
Renewal Pro
$599
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Renewal Pro Plus
$999
Dependent Spouse: $500
Each Dependent Child: $100
Please note, we may quote a higher fee for highly complex cases, such as military background, inadmissibility concerns, multiple refusals etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my post-graduation work permit?
It depends. Post-graduation work permits are a one-time opportunity for international students. However, you can extend your PGWP with your new passport only if you were eligible for a PGWP but did not get the full length because your passport was going to expire. You must include this information in a letter of explanation when you apply to extend your PGWP.
Do I need to take a language test for my PGWP?
If you submitted your PGWP application on or after November 1, 2024, you must include an approved English or French test score. Degree-level graduates require CLB or NCLC level 7 in all four skills, while non-degree graduates require CLB or NCLC level 5. Language tests must be taken in person.
What is the difference between an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit?
An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without restriction to a specific employer or position (subject to general restrictions on certain types of work). An employer-specific work permit restricts you to working for a specific employer in a specific position and location.
Can I apply for a bridging open work permit with an Express Entry profile?
Simply completing an Express Entry profile does not make you eligible for a bridging open work permit. You must have received an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence and submitted a complete application that is being processed. Your current work permit must expire in 4 months or less and you must be in Canada with valid status.
Trusted Partner in Canadian Immigration - CICC Regulated Immigration Consultants
© YCI Canada 2026. All rights reserved