Current and former post-graduation work permit holders: How to apply under a public policy if you’re outside Canada

You must apply online for this open work permit on or before December 31, 2023.

You can’t apply at a port of entry.

You can only get this open work permit once, and it can’t be extended.

Who can apply

To be eligible for this open work permit, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023.
• You must include in your application the fact that you’re applying for an open work permit under this public policy.
• You have a valid passport.
  • If your PGWP is still valid and you are applying regularly, the work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your current PGWP expires or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
  • If your PGWP has expired you must apply regularly. The work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date your application is approved or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 
  • To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the date your PGWP expires (if your PGWP is still valid) or from the date your application is approved (if your PGWP has expired).
    • For example, if your passport is valid for 24 months, you will be issued an open work permit for the full 18 months. However, if your passport is valid for 12 months, you will be issued an open work permit for 12 months.

If you applied under a previous public policy for PGWP holders

Depending on when your original PGWP expired, you may also be eligible for this public policy.

If your original PGWP expired on or after September 20, 2021, and on or before December 31, 2023

You can apply under this public policy.

If your original PGWP expired before September 20, 2021

You can’t apply under this public policy. If you want to work in Canada, you need to apply for another work permit.

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you need

• a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
• a valid credit or debit card

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application.

• Guide for applicants outside Canada

Once you get your document checklist, fill out the application form.

The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Special instructions for this public policy

When you fill out the work permit application form

• select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit you’re applying for in the Details of intended work in Canada section
• copy and paste “2023 PGWP PP open” as the Job title
• copy and paste “Open work permit” in the Brief description of duties field

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.

Step 3: Pay your fees

You’re exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee (CAN$100). Don’t pay this fee.

To pay your fees correctly, you must follow the instructions on this page, including

• how to pay your fees
• how to answer the questions in the online application

You must pay the

• work permit processing fee (CAN$155)
• biometric fee (CAN$85), if you need to give biometrics

Because you’re exempt from paying one of the fees (open work permit holder fee), you need to pay your fees before you apply online.

How to pay your fees

• Go to fees for temporary residence applications.
• Scroll down to the row for workers.
  • Select “Work permit (including extensions) – per person.”
    • Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
      • If you’re applying for your own work permit, enter “1”.
  • If you need to give biometrics, scroll down to the row for biometrics.
    • Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
      • If you’re applying for just yourself, enter “1”.
      • If you’re applying for 2 or more people, choose Biometrics – per family and enter “1”.

The system will calculate the total amount you need to pay when you click “Submit.”

Keep your receipt

After you pay your fee, keep a copy of the receipt. You’ll need to upload it when you apply online for your work permit.

Step 4: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to

• pay your fees
• submit your application forms
• check your status

How to start your application

Once you sign in to your account, you’ll need to

• go to the “Start your application” section of the welcome page
• click on “Apply to come to Canada”
• scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section on the next page
• click on the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button

Get your document checklist

You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.

Make sure you answer these questions correctly.

• You would like to work temporarily.
  • Answer either less than or more than 6 months.
• Answer “Yes” when asked, “Will you be coming to Canada under an active public policy or special measure announced by IRCC?”
• Answer “No, I am exempt from paying fees for the application” to the question There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?
  • You’re only exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee. Check Step 3: Pay your fees.

Upload the correct documents

You need to include the documents listed in your application, including

• a letter that says you’re applying for an open work permit under the 2023 Public Policy Facilitating the Issuance of an Open Work Permit to Former or Current Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders
• a copy of your fees receipt

You can upload a blank document if you’re asked for

• an employment reference letter
• a letter from current employer
• employment records
• a CV/résumé
• an employment contract
• proof that you meet the requirements of the job being offered

Create an account or sign in

If you can’t apply online

• you can’t apply online because of a disability
• there’s a problem with the online application

What to do if you have problems applying online.

If you need a new social insurance number

To get or renew your social insurance number (SIN), you need to provide a digital copy of your work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You cannot use your interim work authorization to get your SIN.

Once you receive your work permit, apply online for your SIN. 

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• Visa®
• MasterCard®
• American Express®
• JCB®
• UnionPay® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard® and Visa® Debit cards for online applications only.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

We only accept Debit MasterCard® and Visa® Debit cards. The logos on the front of your card will show you which type of card you have.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

1. Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
2. Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.