The immigration minister of Canada announced a new policy for a temporary residence that allows international graduates to stay in Canada for a long time.
Beginning this summer, international students who graduate and who have a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) which is expiring between January and December 2022, and who are in Canada will be able to apply for an additional open work permit which is valid for up to 18 months. It is not extendable or renewable under the circumstances.
More details on the process will be available in the next week.
This announcement shows an effort that gives PGWP holders a better chance of living longer, getting work experience, and give a chance to become get PR of Canada. Given that the express entry draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates have been put on hold since September, many PGWP holders whose permits are expiring are forced to either apply for a new work permit, quit their jobs, or leave the country.
As per IRCC, approximately 95,000 PGWPs will expire in 2022 and an estimated 50,000 people could benefit from the measure.
The announcement comes at the same time that Fraser unveiled several measures in support of economic-class migrants.
IRCC has accelerated processing in recent months. In the first quarter of 2022, Canada processed more than 100,000 work permit applications, more than double the number processed in the same period last year.
157000 former students get the PR of Canada in the last year and over 88,000 students directly transferred from PGWP to permanent residence.
