Good news for Post-Graduation Work Permit holders! Canada is now offering a one-time open work permit extension for international graduates whose PGWPs are about to expire.
On January 27, Canada announced the launch of a new policy for international graduates who were unable to fully utilize their PGWPs due to the pandemic.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now accepting applications for a new open work permit for international graduates whose PGWPs are expired or set to expire. Submission of applications will be accepted until July 27, 2021.
The new permit is set to be valid for up to 18 months, and will allow international graduates to remain in Canada for an extended period of time to look for employment.
According to the IRCC, an estimated 52,000 former international students may be eligible for the PGWP extension. In order to apply for the new open work permit, international graduates are required to meet the following:
- They must be in possession of a Post-Graduation Work Permit that either expired on or after January 30, 2020, or that will expire within 4 months from the date of application;
- They must be in Canada on the date the policy took effect (Jan. 27, 2021), and must remain in the country;
- They must have valid temporary status in Canada, or have applied to restore their status, or intend to apply to restore their status;
- They must have a valid passport. IRCC encourages you to ensure your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the date your application is approved. If your passport expires in under 18 months, the open work permit you obtain will be for the corresponding length of time as your passport’s validity period.
The PGWP allows students who have completed an eligible program from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to obtain a two to three-year work permit after they have graduated. The duration of the PGWP is determined by the length of time a student has studied in a DLI.
It is highly sought after by many international graduates who wish to become permanent residents and take advantage of the job opportunities available to them in Canada, as it allows them to gain work experience in Canada. Candian education and work experience can lead to eligibility and additional points in certain immigration pathways that lead to permanent residency.
The PGWP extension will allow many former international students to obtain Candian work experience and eventual permanent residency and citizenship despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The open work permit will also allow Candian employers and businesses to tap into the global talent that international graduates have to offer, and is in line with Canada’s view of immigration as a keystone of economic recovery.
If you’re considering a post-pandemic future in Canada and want to know more about the different pathways to immigrate, register to one of our private online discussions. Register to an orientation for free here.
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