Almost two months have passed since the last Express Entry draw inviting CEC applicants to apply for permanent residence. No invitations have been sent to CEC candidates for permanent residency since January 18. As CEC candidates await their turn to apply for permanent residency in Canada. The delay in the invitation may cause concern.
The Express Entry pool has held program-specific draws for applicants in the PNP – (Provincial Nominee Program) and FSWP – (Federal Skilled Worker Program) over the past two months. As the expiration date of Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) approaches, many CEC applicants are anxious. In contrast, the all-program draw period was conducted between July and November 2022. It resulted in an ITA for PR for all eligible candidates with a minimum CRS score in the Express Entry system.
In September 2021, IRCC faced a similar dilemma when Express Entry draws were halted for the FSWP and CEC applicants due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Due to the break, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said that PGWP holders whose expiration dates fell between September 2021 and December 2022 would be given a one-time extension. PGWP holders whose contracts expire in 2023 have not been informed of any equivalent action.
Graduate students who finish an eligible program at a Recognized Learning Institution in Canada can get a PGWP. It is valid for up to three years, depending on the duration of the program.
How to maintain status while waiting for a CEC draw as a PGWP candidate?
Before the termination of the PGWP – (Post-Graduate Work Permit), it is necessary to obtain a new work or study permit. So as to remain in Canada as a temporary resident and carry on working. You can remain in Canada as a temporary resident until IRCC makes a decision on the new application. The day your PGWP expires, you’ll have to leave Canada and stop working if you don’t maintain your temporary resident status. There are various temporary permits available, depending on your budget. And circumstances, that you can apply for to maintain your temporary resident status in Canada.
Work permits required by LMIA
You may be eligible to apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If you are employed and have a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). In order to obtain the LMIA, your employer must submit an application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). As well as explain how hiring you will affect Canada’s labor force positively, neutrally, or negatively. Your current employer can still hire you if the outcome is positive or neutral. But you cannot work for another employer until your permit expires or you obtain permanent residency.
Employers in particular tech occupations have the option of bypassing the advertising requirements required by EDSC for some programs. Such as the Global Talent Stream. As little as two weeks can be required for LMIA processing under this program. Businesses must adhere to the requirements of an LMIA by posting all open positions across the whole Canadian labor market for a minimum of four weeks.
Work permits exempt from LMIA
Permits that are exempt from the LMIA or those issued under the International Mobility Program typically carry significant benefits and reciprocal employment. In order for the work of an applicant to be considered for the category of significant benefit. It must have a positive social, cultural, or economic impact on Canada.
An intra-company transfer (ICT) arrangement allows people from one country to work in another country under a CUSMA agreement, such as one between Canada and another country.
Study permit
People with PGWP may already be aware of their eligibility to work in Canada if they are enrolled in a postsecondary institution that offers Specified Learning. During certain academic breaks, students can work full-time while enrolled full-time. As long as they are fully enrolled and working full time, they are allowed to work 20 hours per week off campus. IRCC will only temporarily relax the restrictions on the number of hours. Students can work if their application for a study visa or extension is received by October 7, 2022.
Visitor visa
The TRV is an alternative if none of the other options suit your needs (PGWP expiration). And you wish to leave Canada, return later on a visitor’s visa, and then return to Canada. Your employment and educational options are limited with a TRV since it allows you to remain in Canada. You should be aware that the following information can change without notice.
Visitor record
Taking out a book from the library is free of charge. Visitors can obtain visitor records without leaving Canada, unlike visitors who need a visiting visa. It is a requirement that you have your PGWP (or any other work or study permit) expire at least 30 days prior to the application deadline in order to be considered for the program. If you don’t intend to return with a guest visa, you won’t be allowed to leave Canada.
