Applying for a Canadian Work Permit from Within the Country
Who Qualifies and How to Apply?
Overview: In-Canada Work Permit Applications
If you don’t meet one of these specific conditions, you will need to apply from abroad or at a Canadian port of entry, if eligible.
1. You Hold a Valid Study or Work Permit
Key considerations:
- Your existing permit must still be valid at the time of your new application.
- Applications should ideally be submitted at least 30 days before the permit expires.
- Expired permits disqualify you from this in-country application pathway.
Example: You’re working in Canada on an employer-specific work permit. If your employment ends but you secure a new job offer and apply for a new permit before your current one expires, you remain eligible to stay and work under maintained status until a decision is made.
2. Your Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Parent Has a Valid Permit
Eligibility hinges on:
- The family member’s permit remaining valid.
- Your compliance with general work permit requirements.
Example: If your spouse is attending university on a study permit, and their program recently ended, you may still have time to apply for a work permit. Study permits usually remain valid for 90 days post-completion of a program.
3. You’re Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Students who complete eligible academic programs at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada may qualify for an open work permit under the PGWP program.
Requirements include:
- An unexpired study permit.
- Application within 180 days of receiving final grades.
- Fulfillment of all PGWP eligibility criteria, including program and institution recognition.
4. You or a Family Member Holds a Valid Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
TRPs are generally granted in exceptional situations, such as:
- Attending a critical family event.
- Urgent business travel.
- Visiting a gravely ill relative.
Only serious, well-justified cases are considered.
5. You Have a Permanent Residence Application in Progress
This applies to:
- Spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
- Overseas family class (with specific conditions).
- TRP holders applying under the PR pathway.
Additional conditions:
- Proof of cohabitation with your sponsor.
- An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC for your PR application.
Example: If you are applying under inland sponsorship by your Canadian spouse and have submitted your PR application, you may be granted a work permit while awaiting processing.
6. You Are Authorized to Work Without a Permit—But Want a New Role
Some individuals are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit under specific exemptions. If you fall into this category and now wish to take up a different job that requires a permit, you may apply from within Canada.
Exempt categories include:
- Foreign diplomats and their staff.
- Military personnel.
- Performing artists.
- Guest speakers and religious workers.
- News reporters, referees, and judges.
- Emergency service providers.
Important: Business visitors are not eligible under this provision.
7. You Qualify Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
CUSMA Work Permit Categories
| Category | Who is eligible? |
|---|---|
| Professionals | Citizens with a Canadian job offer in one of 63 designated professions and the necessary qualifications. |
| Intra-company transferees | Employees transferred within a multinational company to a Canadian branch, with specialized experience. |
| Traders | Individuals involved in substantial trade of goods/services between their home country and Canada. |
| Investors | Those actively investing in a Canadian business owned by U.S. or Mexican nationals. |
2. Ensure the Program is PGWP-Eligible
Even if the school is a DLI, not all its programs may qualify for PGWP. To ensure eligibility:
- Program Duration: It must be at least 8 months long.
- Program Type: Academic, vocational, or professional training leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate.
- Graduation Level: Only certain degrees from private institutions qualify.
- Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level in English or French.
- Field of Study (for some levels): Must align with in-demand occupations.
8. You Are Seeking Refugee Protection
Foreign nationals who have submitted a claim for asylum in Canada may be eligible for a work permit while waiting for a decision.
To qualify, you must:
- Have submitted a claim to IRCC.
- Demonstrate a credible fear of persecution, torture, or inhumane treatment in your home country.
This applies to individuals fleeing danger based on race, religion, nationality, or political/social group membership.
9. You Are Recognized as a Convention Refugee or Protected Person
If the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has determined you are a convention refugee or protected person, or IRCC approved your Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
Understanding Maintained Status in Canada
Maintained status allows individuals to legally remain in Canada under the same conditions as their expired permit while their new permit application is being processed—provided the application was submitted before the initial permit expired.
Key points:
- You must remain in Canada for the status to stay valid.
- If you leave, maintained status is automatically lost.
- It enables continued work or study based on your original permit’s terms.
Applying for a Work Permit Inside Canada: Step-by-Step Guide
To apply from within Canada, you generally need to submit an online application through your IRCC account. Here’s how to go about it:
- Review the official guide: Understand the specific criteria for your scenario.
- Ensure eligibility: Meet all general and scenario-specific requirements.
- Gather documentation: This includes proof of funds, identity, legal status, and supporting documents.
- Prepare application forms: These will be generated based on your responses in the online portal.
- Pay applicable fees:
- Work permit fee: CAD $155
- Open work permit fee (if applicable): CAD $100
- Biometrics fee (if required): CAD $85
- Submit your application and retain all records and receipts.
- Check passport validity: Your permit cannot extend beyond the expiration of your passport.
Final Tips for a Successful PGWP Journey
- Do thorough research on the institution and program before applying.
- Speak with admissions or an immigration advisor if you’re unsure about eligibility.
- Ensure your documents are in order before graduation.
- Stay informed about IRCC updates and immigration policy changes.
- Remain in good standing legally and academically throughout your stay in Canada.
Final Thoughts
