Syed Khan – 18 July, 2021
Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has announced a new open work permit option for
essential workers and international student graduates in Canada.
International student graduates can now apply for a new Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP),
and temporary residents who applied for permanent residence can avail themselves of an open
work permit starting July 26, while the results of their application are announced. The new
pathways are open to applications until November 5, 2021.
What does the new open work permit entail?
Express Entry is a permanent program under the Canadian government, whereas the new
temporary residence to permanent residence (TR to PR) pathways are not. Earlier, these
immigration applicants could not apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), due to
Canadian policy.
Those who have applied for the new programs do not have to worry about the expiration of their
temporary status. If their current permit expires before the IRCC processes their application,
they can apply for this new work permit under the new rules.
Without this new open work permit, applicants are at the risk of being deported even if they
have already started an application with the IRCC. The work permits issued under this policy will
be valid until December 31, 2022.
Quote by The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship
“Our new path to permanent residence for 90,000 essential workers and international graduates
is a major step forward—the size, speed, and scope of which is unprecedented, this new open
work permit ensures that those who have been playing critical roles throughout the pandemic
can continue their extraordinary service.” said Minister of Immigration, Marco Mendicino in a
news release by the government.
How to be eligible for the new open work permit?
In order to be eligible for this one-time open work permit, applicants must provide relevant
documents proving that they :
● Have applied under one of the new permanent residence pathways provided by
the Government of Canada
● Were authorized to work at the time of submitting their application
● Hold a valid work permit that expires within the next four months
● Hold temporary residence status, maintained status, or are eligible to restore
their status at the time of submitting their open work permit application
● Living in Canada at the time of submitting their open work permit application
● Were employed in any occupation at the time of submitting their permanent
residence application
● Pass the language requirements of the stream under which they applied at the
time their application was submitted.
The applicant’s spouse or common-law partner and dependent children over the age of 18, can
also avail the new open work permit as long as they are also in Canada at the time of submitting
the application.
More details on how to apply for the new open work permit online will be added to IRCC’s
website on July 26, 2021.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration
Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need
