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Can I Apply for Open Work Permit After the PGWP Expires

For many international graduates in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers a powerful stepping stone toward building a professional life in the country. But what happens when this golden opportunity runs out? As your PGWP nears its expiration date, or has already expired, you may be asking yourself, “Can I apply for an open work permit after PGWP expires?” This isn’t just a question of legal status, it’s about your future, your career, and your dreams of staying in Canada. And at Infoplace Canada, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.


Are you eligible for a second open work permit? What if your PGWP has already expired? Can you still stay in Canada legally? Can a spouse or permanent residency application open another pathway for you? These are some of the most sought-after questions Canadian graduates ask, and the answers aren't always clear on your own. With rules changing frequently and limited one-time-use policies for PGWPs, navigating your next move requires accurate, up-to-date information and expert support.


This article answers your biggest concerns about what to do after your PGWP expires, explores alternative pathways for applying for a new open work permit, and reveals what options are available based on your unique situation. Whether you're considering the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), spousal support routes, or immigration streams under the International Mobility Program, Infoplace Canada provides the clarity, insight, and personalized advice you need to make the right move, confidently and legally.




Can I Apply for an Open Work Permit After the PGWP Expires?


Yes, but only under specific immigration categories. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is non-renewable and granted only once per eligible graduate. Once it expires, you may not reapply for another PGWP. Meanwhile, you can apply for an extension if you did not get full validity due to insufficient passport validity. However, you can apply for a different type of open work permit, provided you meet the requirements under certain IRCC-approved pathways.


What Is an Open Work Permit?


can i apply for open work permit after pgwp expires


An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada, in any location, without first getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This type of permit offers flexibility because it isn’t job-specific.


The PGWP itself is a type of open work permit issued to international graduates from eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). However, after it expires, you must qualify under another program or category to be issued a new open work permit. These programs include:


  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) – for individuals who have already applied for permanent residency.

  • Spousal Open Work Permit – for spouses of certain skilled workers, international students, or permanent residents.

  • Open Work Permits under special public policies – Such as vulnerable workers, humanitarian grounds, or temporary public policy exemptions.

  • International Mobility Program (IMP) – For specific roles or agreements (e.g., postdocs, co-op interns, etc.).


Important Note: If your PGWP expires and you don’t qualify under any of these categories, you will not be eligible for a new open work permit and must either change your status (e.g., to visitor) or leave Canada.


If you need help understanding which path applies to you, Infoplace Canada offers expert immigration support and can guide you toward your next work or residency option. Book a consultation with our licensed experts today.




Pathways to Apply for an Open Work Permit After PGWP


Once your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires, it cannot be renewed. However, depending on your circumstances, you may still qualify for another type of open work permit through one of the following three major pathways:


#1. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)


The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is designed for individuals who have already applied for permanent residence (PR) under specific economic immigration programs such as:


  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Express Entry-managed streams


If you meet the requirements, BOWP lets you continue working in Canada while waiting for your PR application to be finalized.


To be eligible for BOWP, you must:


  • Have submitted a complete PR application under an eligible stream.

  • Have a valid work permit or be eligible to restore 

  • Be physically residing in Canada when applying.


#2. Spousal Open Work Permit


You can apply for an open work permit as the spouse or common-law partner of someone who holds a valid status in Canada. This permit allows you to work for any employer.




You may qualify if your spouse is:


  • A temporary foreign worker employed in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (formerly NOC 0, A, or B).

  • A full-time international student enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)(In an eligible program, not all study programs qualify.).

  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is sponsoring you under the Inland Spousal Sponsorship Program.


This pathway is ideal if your partner has a valid status in Canada and meets the outlined conditions. However, some restrictions may apply.


#3. International Mobility Program (IMP)


The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows certain foreign nationals to apply for open work permits without an LMIA, based on broader economic, cultural, or humanitarian reasons. Examples include:


  • Postdoctoral fellows and researchers

  • Spouses of international students or skilled workers

  • Vulnerable workers on employer-specific permits facing abuse

  • Applicants under humanitarian or public policy exceptions


The IMP includes various streams with different eligibility rules, but all fall under LMIA-exempt categories.


Each of these pathways has strict criteria, and eligibility depends on timing, your current status, and your relationship or immigration history.


If your PGWP is nearing expiration and you’re unsure of the right move, Infoplace Canada can guide you with expert immigration support. Our team is ready to help you explore your options and apply correctly, so you don’t miss any critical deadlines.




What If I Don’t Qualify for Any of These Options?


If you don’t meet the criteria for any of the open work permit pathways mentioned above, and your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has expired, your options for staying in Canada are limited.


#1. You cannot Renew Your PGWP


 Once your PGWP expires, it cannot be renewed. It is a one-time, non-renewable permit, meaning you cannot simply extend it like other types of work permits. If you’re past the expiration date, you lose the ability to work under this permit (unless you didn't get full validity because of your passport).


#2. You May Need to Leave Canada or Change Your Status 


If you do not qualify for a new open work permit, you’ll likely have to either:


  • Leave Canada and return to your home country or another destination.

  • Change your status to something else, such as a visitor record, if you wish to remain in Canada temporarily. However, transitioning to a visitor status doesn’t permit you to work.




#3. Consider Re-enrolling in a New Eligible Program


In some cases, you may choose to re-enroll in a new eligible program at a designated learning institution. After completing this program, you may be eligible for a new PGWP. However:


  • This option is highly restricted. It is only available if the new program meets the criteria for a PGWP, and you must be careful about the timelines and eligibility.

  • Additionally, you cannot rely on this option if you’ve previously used a PGWP for a similar program.


Important Notes:


  • If your PGWP has expired, don’t wait too long to explore your options.

  • You cannot apply for another PGWP based on your previous studies, so re-enrolling in a program could be your only way forward if you plan to continue working in Canada (under part-time restrictions for students - but this work doesn't often count towards PR if you're a student).


If you find yourself in this situation and aren’t sure how to proceed, Infoplace Canada offers expert consultation services. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration options and ensure you’re on the right path to meeting your goals.




How to Contact InfoPlace Canada


At InfoPlace Canada, we're committed to helping you make the right decisions for your education, immigration, and career journey in Canada. Whether you have questions about PGWP-eligible schools, need help with a visa application, or want expert guidance on your path to permanent residency, our experienced consultants are ready to assist you.


Here’s how you can get in touch with us:



Office Locations:


  • Canada Office: 380 Wellington St #6th, London, ON N6A 5B5, Canada


You can also book a consultation directly through our website or reach out to us via Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn for quick updates and responses.


Frequently Asked Questions About Can I Apply for Open Work Permit After the PGWP Expires


Can I apply for a new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after it expires?


No, you cannot apply for a new PGWP after it expires. The PGWP is a one-time, non-renewable work permit. Once it expires, you are no longer eligible to apply for another one based on the same program.


What are my options if my PGWP has expired and I don’t qualify for an open work permit?


If your PGWP has expired and you don’t qualify for an open work permit, you may need to leave Canada or change your status to a visitor.


Can I apply for an open work permit after my PGWP expires under the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) program?


You can apply for a BOWP if you have already applied for permanent residency through eligible programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). However, your PGWP must still be valid when you apply for the BOWP, so you must apply before it expires or be eligible to restore your status. If restoring, you will not be authorized to work until the BOWP is approved.


If I am married to a skilled worker or full-time student in Canada, can I apply for an open work permit after my PGWP expires?


Yes, if your spouse or common-law partner is a temporary foreign worker in a skilled occupation, a full-time student in an eligible program, or a Canadian permanent resident or citizen who has sponsored you, you may be eligible for an open work permit under the spousal program.


What happens if I don’t qualify for any open work permit programs after my PGWP expires?


If you don't qualify for any open work permit programs, you may need to leave Canada or change your status to a visitor. You could consider re-enrolling in a new eligible program, but this path has restrictions and may not always be possible.

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