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Open work permit expiring soon — when and how to start an extension

Canada • Post-Graduation Work Permit • work 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • Current open work permit

    Check its expiry date; group members recommend starting the extension process 5–6 months before it runs out.

  • IRCC consultation record

    One member consulted IRCC directly after being issued a shorter PGWP validity than expected, then applied for an extension based on that guidance.

Step-by-Step

For anyone with an open work permit (including PGWP) approaching its expiry, group members shared practical timing advice.

What to do:
  1. Start the extension process early — around 5 to 6 months before your current work permit expires, rather than waiting until close to the deadline.

  2. Be aware that public policies affecting extensions can change from year to year. At the time of this discussion, members mentioned an upcoming public policy announcement that could affect options — it's worth checking IRCC's official announcements before assuming your specific situation is covered by an existing rule.

  3. If you received a shorter PGWP validity than expected (e.g., only 1 year when you anticipated more), one option is to contact IRCC directly to clarify your situation, then apply for an extension referencing that consultation.


Note: Public policy details around work permit extensions shift over time (this thread references a policy specific to that period), so always confirm current rules on IRCC's website before applying.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Start your extension application 5–6 months before your current open work permit expires.
  • Tip: If your PGWP validity came out shorter than expected, consult IRCC directly before applying for an extension.
  • Don't: Don't assume a specific public policy still applies without checking IRCC's current announcements — these change year to year.

Have a question about this? Join the discussion.

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