OPEN WORK PERMIT

Post graduation work permit

After completing studies in a designated post-secondary learning institution on an eligible program, international graduates may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing them to work in Canada.

Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are open work permits given to international students who graduate from a Canadian program of study. PGWPs allow the holder to work for any employer, for as many hours they wish, anywhere in Canada.

PGWPs are valid for between eight months to three years and are a great way to obtain valuable Canadian work experience. Once an applicant has work experience in Canada, it opens a lot of opportunities to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

Introduction To : Working In Canada After Graduation

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, the following criteria must be met by the international student:

• The student must have studied full-time in Canada in at least an eight month long program.
• An application for the permit must be entered within 90 days of receiving confirmation from their academic institution that they have met the requirements of their program.
• The student must have completed and passed the program of study, receiving written notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma or certificate.
• The student must have a valid study permit when applying for the work permit.

For any questions about the Post-Graduation Work Permit, and to learn how you can stay and work in Canada once your studies are complete, please do not hesitate to book a consultation with Nisha, our Immigration Consultant.

Bridging Open work permit

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada to extend their status while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency application. The BOWP is only available to those who have submitted a permanent residency application and are already in possession of a valid work permit.

In order to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) a foreign national must first meet the following conditions:

• Reside in Canada with valid temporary resident status
• Meet one of the following criteria:
  • hold a valid work permit with valid temporary resident status
  • have submitted to renew their work permit and are on maintained status in Canada
  • are eligible to restore their temporary resident status with authorization to work on a work permit
• Have applied for Canadian permanent residence as the principal applicant under the FSWP, CEC, PNP or FSTP
• Have received a positive eligibility assessment on their application.
• Has made an application for an open work permit.

Spousal open work permit

If your spouse is currently working or studying in Canada, or if you have applied to be sponsored for permanent residence by your spouse or partner in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

A spouse open work permit allows the spouse of certain temporary Canadian permit holders to work anywhere in Canada, for any employer, with few restrictions.

Individuals who have applied to be sponsored by their spouse, or those whose spouses are in Canada on a study or work permit may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit. The requirements for applying for a spousal open work permit depend on the type of status your spouse has in Canada. For information, use the table below:

Eligibility requirement for a spousal work permit and visa

In order to qualify for a spousal open work permit, you must meet certain minimum requirements, including:

• Must be in a genuine relationship with a qualifying foreign national principal applicant, permanent resident, or citizen;
• Must be eligible to apply as the spouse of a qualifying foreign national, or as an in Canada sponsorship applicant (see above); and
• Are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada

Additional criteria will vary depending on the category of SOWP you are applying under.

International experience Canada program

IEC is a program designed to allow youth the opportunity to work in Canada for temporary periods.

Citizens of countries with a bilateral youth Mobility arrangement with Canada who is between 18 and 35 years old may be eligible for IEC work permits.

The IEC program is composed of 3 Catagories:

• Working holiday
• Young Professionals
• International Co-op

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday visa is ideal for individuals who want the freedom to work for any employers while travelling in Canada. Applicants who are successful through the Working Holiday program receive an open work permit. Open work permits are not tied to specific employers, so individuals have the freedom to change employers and locations while living in Canada. The Working Holiday program is a good option for foreign nationals from participating countries who are seeking the following:

• Those without a job offer from a Canadian employer
• Those who want the freedom to work for more than one employer
• Those who would like the freedom to live in more than one location
• Those wishing to earn money while travelling

As the Working Holiday program has relatively relaxed requirements, this program is incredibly popular. Canada approves predetermined quotas of applicants for this program on a per-country basis. Applicants interested in this program should verify the quotas for their country in order to gain an accurate understanding of their probability of success.

Young Professionals

Under this program, citizens of participating countries can gain valuable international experience by working for a Canadian company. A signed job offer letter or contract of employment with a Canadian employer related to the applicant’s processional development is required before applying. The job offered must be classified as an NOC skill Type level O,A or B.

International Co-op

The International Co-op Internship program allows international students to complete an internship or work placement in Canada as a requirement for their post-secondary education. This program requires that applicants have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada which is required for their completion of studies.

Interested applicants should consult the requirements for their country to verify exact application procedures as well as quotas for the program.

Eligible requirement for the IEC program:

Candidates must:

• Be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the 34 countries that have a bilateral youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada.
• Have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application.
• Have the equivalent of $2500 Can upon landing to help cover initial expenses.
• Be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay.
• Be admissible to Canada.
• Have, prior to departure, a round-trip ticket, or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their authorized stay in Canada,
• Not be accompanied by dependents; and
• Pay the appropriate fees.

Please note that specific age and eligibility requirement may vary by Country.

If you need more information about this program, please do not hesitate to get in touch today at info@dhunnaimmigration.ca