The IRCC released important improvements for Canada’s overseas student program on December 7, 2023. Notably, the government made it clear that holders of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) will not be eligible for any more extensions. Examine Canada’s pathways post PGWP expiry to foreign students in Canada. Keep up with announcements from the IRCC and Canadian post-graduate possibilities.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC extended the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program for three years to help holders of these permits deal with the interruptions to the job market. These postponements of Express Entry drawings and processing delays permitted PGWP holders to carry on working in Canada. Regular extensions of the measure were announced, and the most recent one, which ended on April 6, was intended primarily for PGWP holders whose permits were set to expire on or before December 31, 2023.
This extension, also recognized as an open work permit, grants an additional 18 months.
Notably, the IRCC highlights that PGWP holders whose permits expire on or before December 31 are eligible for this extension, so extending their job options in Canada. Keep up with the IRCC’s projects and updates to help PGWP holders navigate the changing conditions.
PGWP Impact – Transition to PR & Future Trends
After completing their academic programs, international students can stay and work in Canada with Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). With few exceptions, the permit’s three-year maximum term is determined by the length of the candidate’s academic program. Permits are normally non-renewable.
Remarkably, 98,000 PGWP holders became permanent residents in 2022, accounting for almost 82% of all temporary residents who became permanent residents in that year. This emphasizes how important PGWPs are to overseas graduates’ chances of obtaining permanent residence.
Moreover, IRCC estimated that, based on statistics released in 2022, there would be about 268,000 PGWP holders in Canada in 2023, with an estimated 127,000 permits scheduled to expire. This realization offers important background information for comprehending the dynamics and scope of PGWP utilization as well as its effects on the immigration environment in Canada. In order to efficiently navigate options for overseas students in Canada, stay up to current on updates and trends regarding the PGWP program.
What implications does this have for candidates in the Express Entry system?
The most popular route for PGWP holders hoping to become permanent residents of Canada is Express Entry. Candidates may become anxious as the PGWP extensions draw closer to their expiration, especially those who are still awaiting an ITA.
The imminent risk for those whose PGWPs are about to expire but have not yet obtained an ITA is that they may no longer be able to work in Canada. The strain on PGWP holders in the Express Entry pool is increased by the recent, inexplicable halt in drawings for the program, which took place from October 26 to December 6. They are unable to apply for permanent residence status or keep their status while IRCC conducts their application if they do not have an ITA.
IRCC held three draws between December 6 and December 8. Notably, the two category-based draws targeted applicants proficient in French (1,000 ITAs) and those with previous STEM employment experience (5,900).
The all-program draw on December 6th saw a significant increase in the number of invited candidates, with 4,750 recipients attaining invites and a CRS score of 561, compared to previous draws of a similar kind.
Actions to take when your PGWP is approaching expiry
Candidates for Express Entry who find themselves in this situation have multiple options for staying in Canada while they wait for the IRCC to make a final determination regarding their application. It’s important to remember, though, that candidates may need to put their jobs on hold during this time, both while they wait for an ITA and during the time they have to wait for the IRCC to process their application.
Record of Visitor
If you want to stay in Canada longer than your PGWP expires, you must apply for a visitor record at least thirty days in advance. The IRCC observes that, depending on specific conditions, the typical validity is six months.
Submit an application for a new work permit
Candidates may choose to reapply for a work permit while they wait for an Express Entry draw. Those who want to continue working might look into other Open Work Permit possibilities, even though this process takes time and costs more money.
Candidates should also consider the option of obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from their company. By doing this, they would be able to apply for a closed work visa, which would allowed them to keep working in Canada but with limitations on working for other companies.
If you have already filed a permanent residency (PR) application
If you have applied for permanent residency but are awaiting an answer from IRCC, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). With this permission, applicants pursuing economic immigration programs such as the Agri-Food Pilot Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Express Entry, or others can continue to work in Canada while they await the IRCC’s decision.
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