Canada's work permit eligibility: Who can apply from inside the country?

Foreign nationals usually apply for a Canadian work permit from outside the country. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clarified that in specific cases, individuals can apply for a work permit from within Canada. As reported by CIC News, IRCC outlines a list of eligibility categories under which applicants currently in Canada may qualify to apply for a work permit without leaving the country.

Below are the key categories of individuals eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada:

Individuals with valid study or work permits
Foreign nationals who are already in Canada and hold a valid study or work permit can apply for a new work permit before their current permit expires. This allows, for example, an international student graduating from a program to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit ( PGWP), or a foreign worker who switches jobs to apply for a new employer-specific work permit.

Applicants must ensure that their status in Canada is still valid at the time of submission.

Family members of work or study permit holders
Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of foreign nationals with valid study or work permits in Canada are eligible to apply for a work permit. This includes:

• Spouses of international students with valid study permits.
• Spouses or children of skilled foreign workers.
• Family members accompanying permit holders during their stay in Canada.

These applications can be submitted while in Canada if the primary permit holder maintains valid status.

Post-Graduation work permit (PGWP) applicants
Graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs can apply for a PGWP from inside Canada, provided they do so within 180 days of receiving their final marks. The applicant must also have held a valid study permit at some point during the 180-day window.

A PGWP is an open work permit, allowing the holder to work for any employer across Canada. This pathway is widely used by international students transitioning from study to work.

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) holders
Individuals who are in Canada on a valid Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for at least six months may be eligible to apply for a work permit. This also applies to their family members who hold TRPs. TRPs are issued to those who are inadmissible to Canada for certain reasons but have been allowed entry under special circumstances.

Permanent Residence applicants under specific classes
Some individuals who have submitted an application for permanent residence under specific immigration classes can apply for a work permit while in Canada. These include:

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class
• Protected Person or Convention Refugee Class
• Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds

Applicants must have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC confirming that their PR application is being processed.

Refugee claimants

• Individuals who have submitted a refugee claim while in Canada and are awaiting a decision are permitted to apply for a work permit. This helps them support themselves while their claim is being processed.
• Those who have already been determined by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to be Convention refugees or protected persons are also allowed to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Maintained status holders
Foreign nationals who submit a work permit extension application before their current permit expires can remain in Canada under “maintained status.” This means they can continue to work under the same conditions until IRCC makes a decision on their new application. However, this maintained status becomes invalid if the applicant leaves Canada while the application is still being processed.

IRCC emphasises that eligibility to apply from within Canada does not guarantee approval. Applicants must still meet the criteria of the specific work permit they are applying for. It is important to gather and submit complete documentation, including job offers, proof of relationships, or academic records, depending on the category.