Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a program initiated by the Canadian government that allows international graduates to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The PGWP is a great incentive that continues to attract international students to Canada thereby making it a top choice destination for international students
According to a news release by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada on Friday 17th of March, 2023, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honorable Sean Fraser, announced that international graduates with a recently expired or about to expire PGWP will qualify for an additional or extender work permit to say longer and gain additional work experience for up to 18 months.
PGWP Extension Eligibility and Effective Date
This policy will become effective from the 6th of April, 2022. Those with active PGWP who want to continue working for a longer time will apply to a facilitative process to extend their work permit. Then, those whose PGWP expires in 2023 and those who were eligible for the 2022 PGWP facilitative measure will also be able to apply for an additional 18 months work permit.
Also, those with expired work permits, even if it has passed the 90 days restoration period, will still be able to restore their status and also receive a temporary work permit while processing their new work permit.
Canada Immigration Objective for this PGWP Extension
This policy will be beneficial both to Canada and the PGWP holders; Canada will benefit from retaining talent to meet labour shortages and the PGWP holders will have the opportunity to gain more Canadian work permits which is a key requirement to apply for Canada permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program in the Express Entry System. Consequently, this means more people in the Canadian labour market contribute to the growth of the Canadian Economy.
How to Apply for the PGWP Extension
PGWP holders who are eligible for the facilitative process will soon receive messages about logging into their online IRCC Secure Account, starting April 6, 2023, to opt-in and update key personal information.
This new policy will allow anyone who was eligible under the 2022 initiative to apply for an open work permit and to restore their status. Instructions on applying will be available on Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada website in the weeks ahead.
What Makes This PGWP Extension a Great Opportunity
A PGWP is typically not extendable. PGWP holders who want to extend their stay in Canada as a worker are usually expected to apply for another type of work permit as their PGWP expires. But with this policy, you have ample opportunity and time to process your permanent residence and at the same time continue working with your post-graduation work permit. So, make the most of this opportunity and be a step closer to your dreams.
Need help with Canada immigration?