To stay in Canada after the end of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), there are no extensions but there are immigration options. A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) can be obtained when applying to specific immigration programs. By BOWP, an individual can work in Canada even after the expiry of PGWP, until the decision on the permanent residency is rendered.
The immigration options include:
· Express Entry
· Provincial Nominee Program
· Atlantic Immigration Pilot
· Family sponsorship
If a person cannot apply to any of the above options, they still can extend their presence in Canada by obtaining a work permit through LMIAs and trade agreements.
There are also other work permits a person can get. Some examples include film and TV workers, entrepreneurs and self-employed workers. Moreover, Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico may be able to apply for CUSMA Professionals work permit. Trade agreements under CETA for citizens of the European Union, as well as CUKTCA for U.K. citizens also exist.
What Is Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
A bridging open work permit (BOWP) lets you keep working while you wait for the results of your permanent residence application. You may be eligible if you applied to one of the permanent residence programs below:
- Permanent residence using Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Quebec skilled workers
- Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
- Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class
- Agri-food Pilot
2025 Update: What’s Changed This Year in Canadian Work and Immigration Policies
Some important changes kicked in recently, and they’re reshaping how people stay and work in Canada after their studies.
Stricter PGWP Rules as of November 2024
Graduates who plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit now face new conditions. Language skills are under the spotlight—university graduates must show a CLB level 7 in English or French, while college graduates need at least CLB 5. That’s just one part.
The type of program you finish matters, too. Canada now limits eligibility to students coming out of programs tied to job shortages. These include health care, trade, transport, STEM, education, and farming. The change applies only to applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
Changes for Families of Temporary Workers and Students
Starting January 21, 2025, not all spouses and kids of foreign workers and international students can get open work permits anymore.
Spouses of grad students still qualify, but only if the student is enrolled in longer master’s programs, PhD tracks, or a short list of professional programs. If your spouse works in Canada, their job must now fall under TEER 0 or 1—sometimes TEER 2 or 3, but only if the role is considered high-need. As for dependent children, they’re no longer part of this program.
New Immigration Targets
Canada’s new immigration plan has been in place for over three years, and a shift is happening here, too.
In 2025, the number of permanent residents accepted will drop by over 100,000 compared to earlier projections. A large share—more than 40%—will be people who are already in Canada with temporary status. By 2027, most spots will be for people applying through work-based programs, particularly in health, trades, and similar areas.
And there’s more. The government wants to reduce the overall number of temporary residents. The goal is to go from 6.5% of the population to 5% by the end of 2026.
Why choose us?
We have been helping many applicants to become permanent residents for years and we have a high success rate. Our clients from almost 20 different countries have experienced this with us and you can be the next successful one. We know how to prepare documents and how to make your immigration process smooth and easy for you. Contact us HERE to start the process today!
If you are not a Canadian Permanent Resident yet and you are not sure what the best way for you to immigrate to Canada is, please fill out our assessment form HERE and we will get back to you with your possible options.
