Those people who hold Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and whose work permit expires between 20 September 2021 and 31 December 2022 are qualified for the oncoming on-time PGWP extension.
Immigration Minister of Canada Sean Fraser has extended the previously announced extension of the PGWP eligibility start date from September 2021 to January 2022.
The new policy is beneficial for all those whose PGWP is expiring. The change is primarily to accommodate those CEC (Canadian Experience Class) applicants who do not have the opportunity to apply for migration via Express Entry from 21 September 2021. IRCC has halted draw for those applicants who are PGWP holders, in an effort to address the backlog in applications for immigration. The draw for these candidates may start again on 6 July.
Generally, PGWP is a one-and-deal. Those foreign students who graduate from a qualified full-time program are able to obtain a work permit for three years. However, as per the new policy, those applicants who are qualified PGWP holders are able to apply for a new open work permit that is valid for 18 months.
Meanwhile, those PGWP holders are glimpsing their documents expire, maybe put them in hazardous positions. They may have to obtain a new work permit, quit their job, or even leave Canada.
Every year thousands of PGWP holders become permanent residents. They are already well integrated into the Canadian labor market due to their Canadian study and work experience. In 2021, over 88,000 PGWP holders became permanent residents.
As to the government of Canada, there are more than 50,000 people will get benefit from this new policy.
