Graduating from a Canadian college or university is a huge achievement, and for many international students, the next step is applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows you to stay in Canada and gain valuable work experience, which can also help you later qualify for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
For many PGWP holders, the next big question is how to bring their spouse to Canada so they can live and work together. The good news is that there are options available.
Understanding the PGWP
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is issued to graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs). The permit’s validity depends on the length of your program of study, up to a maximum of three years.
Because a PGWP gives you the chance to work full-time in Canada, it also opens the door to supporting your spouse’s application to come to Canada with you.
Can I Bring My Spouse to Canada on a PGWP?
Yes. If you hold a PGWP and are working in Canada, your spouse may be able to apply for an open work permit. This type of permit allows them to work for almost any employer in Canada while you continue your employment under your PGWP.
This pathway is different from spousal sponsorship. Sponsorship requires the Canadian partner to be a citizen or permanent resident. PGWP holders do not yet have that status, but they can still bring their spouse temporarily through the open work permit option.
Requirements for a Spouse’s Open Work Permit
To apply successfully, both the PGWP holder and their spouse need to meet certain conditions:
1. Proof of a genuine marriage or partnership
You will need to show that your relationship is real. Documents such as a marriage certificate, joint financial records, or other proof of your shared life together can help establish this.
2. Admissibility to Canada
Your spouse must not be inadmissible to Canada for medical or criminal reasons. Background checks and medical exams may be part of the process.
3. PGWP holder’s employment
You must be working, or have a job offer, in a high-skilled occupation listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
In addition, your PGWP must have at least six months of validity remaining at the time you submit your spouse’s open work permit application.
4. Intention to return home
Since an open work permit is temporary, your spouse will need to show they intend to return to their home country once their permit expires. Proof such as property ownership, employment ties, or family connections abroad can support this requirement.
Spousal Sponsorship After Receiving a PGWP
While bringing your spouse on an open work permit allows you to live and work together temporarily, many couples eventually want to settle in Canada permanently. That’s where spousal sponsorship becomes important.
Once you become a permanent resident, you can apply to sponsor your spouse to Canada so they can obtain permanent status as well. This is often the next step for PGWP holders who transition from temporary work permits to permanent residency through Express Entry or another immigration pathway.
Working with an experienced spousal sponsorship lawyer can make this process much smoother, ensuring that your applications are properly prepared and reducing the risk of delays.
How We Can Help
At the Immigration Law Firm of Matthew Jeffery, we regularly assist clients with both temporary and permanent immigration matters. Whether you are looking to bring your spouse to Canada after receiving your PGWP or planning for spousal sponsorship after receiving a post-graduation work permit, our team can guide you through the requirements and help you prepare a strong application.
To learn more, fill out our free assessment form to see how we can help you and your spouse begin your journey together in Canada.
Bring Your Spouse to Canada
Fill out a FREE spousal sponsorship assessment form to see if you qualify.