Work Permit

At Upside Immigration Consulting Inc., we focus exclusively on open work permits—permits that allow eligible individuals to work for most employers in Canada without being tied to a specific job offer.

These permits often support longer-term immigration goals and are commonly used by graduates and permanent residence applicants.

POST-GRADUATION WORK PERMIT (PGWP)

The PGWP allows eligible international graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies.

What matters for eligibility:

• Completion of an eligible program at a recognized DLI

• Program length and structure, which determine permit duration

• Timely application following completion of studies

PGWPs can be issued for up to three years and are generally issued only once in a lifetime. For many clients, this permit plays a key role in future permanent residence applications.

BRIDGING OPEN WORK PERMIT (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit allows eligible permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while waiting for a final decision on their PR application.

Key considerations:

• A qualifying PR application must already be submitted and in process

• Helps maintain lawful status and employment continuity

• Typically issued for up to 12 months, with possible extensions

We help confirm eligibility and timing so you don’t risk gaps in status.

OTHER OPEN WORK PERMITS

Some individuals may qualify for other open work permits based on their personal circumstances, such as:

• Spouses or partners of international students or foreign workers

• Applicants covered by specific public policies or humanitarian measures

• Certain vulnerable workers with special authorization

Eligibility depends on current policies and individual facts. We assess your situation carefully before advising on next steps.