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April 25, 2023
How can you apply for an Open Work Permit with an expiring PGWP?
If you are an international student in Canada, you might be familiar with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to stay and work in the country after graduation. However, if your PGWP is about to expire, you might be wondering what your options are. One option is to apply for an Open Work Permit, which will allow you to work for any employer in Canada. In this blog post, we will explain how to apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada with an expiring PGWP.
What is an Open Work Permit?
An Open Work Permit is a type of work permit that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for any employer without a specific job offer. An Open Work Permit is not tied to a specific employer, occupation, or location, giving the individual flexibility and freedom to work anywhere in the country. An Open Work Permit can be applied for in various situations, including spousal sponsorship, humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and post-graduation work permits.
Who is Eligible to Apply for an Open Work Permit?
To apply for an Open Work Permit, you must be eligible under one of the following categories:
- Spousal Sponsorship
- Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
- Bridging Open Work Permit
Steps to Apply for Open Work Permit.
1. Check your Eligibility: Before applying for an Open Work Permit, make sure you are eligible. To be eligible, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Be in Canada
- Have a valid PGWP that is expiring soon or has already expired
- Be eligible to apply for restoration of your status if your status has expired
- Meet the requirements for the Open Work Permit category you are applying for
2. Choose the correct Category: There are several categories under which you can apply for an Open Work Permit. These include:
- a. Bridging Open Work Permit: This permit is designed for individuals who have applied for permanent residency in Canada and are waiting for a decision. To apply for this permit, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and have submitted an application for permanent residency.
- b. Spousal Open Work Permit: If your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for an Open Work Permit. To apply for this permit, your spouse or partner must submit an application for sponsorship, and you must include your application for an Open Work Permit along with it.
- c. International Experience Canada (IEC) Open Work Permit: This permit is for individuals who are between 18 and 35 years old and from a country with a reciprocal agreement with Canada. To apply for this permit, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the IEC program, which includes having a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- d. Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Open Work Permit: If you are in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, you may be eligible for an Open Work Permit. To apply for this permit, you must provide evidence of your H&C circumstances and meet other eligibility requirements.
3. Gather required documents: Once you have determined which category you are applying for, you need to gather the required documents. The documents you need will vary depending on the category, but generally, you will need:
- A valid passport
- A copy of your expiring or expired PGWP
- A copy of your job offers (if applicable)
- Evidence of your relationship with your spouse or partner (if applicable)
- Proof of your eligibility for the category you are applying for.
- Submit your application.
After you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application. You can submit your application online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The application fee for an Open Work Permit is $255 CAD.
4. Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time for an Open Work Permit varies depending on the category, but it can take several weeks or even months.
In conclusion, if your PGWP is expiring soon or has already expired, applying for an Open Work Permit is a great option. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can apply for an Open Work Permit and continue working in Canada. Contact Crigh Immigration team to start your application for open work permit.
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