It is possible that some current or with an expiring PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) will qualify for an 18-month Open Work Permit from April 6, 2023, onwards. Visit the website of the IRCC for more information.
A deadline of December 31, 2023, is set for application submissions. It is advantageous to have an Open Work Permit. So, that qualified individuals can continue to work in Canada for up to another 18 months in any profession and for any employer that they choose.
It is noted on the IRCC’s website that eligible candidates can:
- Extend their work permit through a simplified process.
- Work permits can be extended, or they can apply for new ones.
- New work permits can be obtained by applying to restore their status.
The process of applying for a work permit can still be completed by a candidate who is not eligible to opt-in.
How to apply for a simplified extension if you are eligible
People who may qualify for the streamlined work permit extension process received letters from IRCC recently.
In such cases, IRCC advises that applications be submitted by May 20, 2023, before their work visas expire.
The simplified process is available to those who meet the following requirements:
- People must be Canadian residents
- The IRCC Secure Account allows you to do the following:
- Make sure your mailing address is current.
- You need to confirm that the information on your passport is up-to-date and that it expires before June 2025.
- Additional 18 months are available upon request.
The most recent PGWP application must be linked to the IRCC Secure Account if you do not already have one.
Open work permit with an expiring PGWP – About its extension
Sean Fraser, Canada’s Immigration Minister, announced in March that IRCC would offer qualified previous. As well as present holders of the PGWP a new Open Work Permit.
People who are about to lose their PGWP must either find another method of staying in Canada or leave the country altogether.
This unique public policy aims to provide PGWP holders with additional time to potentially make the transition to permanent residency. And assist Canadian firms in addressing their historical labor shortages.
In order to qualify for the PGWP, foreign graduates must complete their education in Canada at least three years before they can apply for the program.
It depends upon how long the international graduate’s program was when they graduated when determining the total duration of the PGWP.
Foreign graduates who take part in PGWPs are more likely to qualify for permanent residency in Canada. Because they improve their qualifications.
In Canada’s economic class immigration programs, applicants with Canadian work experience are rewarded. Due to the fact that the experience helps them integrate into the labor market after they obtain permanent residence.
It’s for this reason that applications with Canadian experience are given extra points or a special channel in programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP).
Over 800,000 foreign students were welcomed into Canada in the previous academic year, a record number.
As of 2022, roughly 82% of temporary residents turned into permanent residents, including roughly 98,000 PGWP holders. In Canada, there were around 286,000 registered PGWP holders at the time the IRCC announced this special policy move last month.
67,000 PGWP holders won’t need to submit an application for a new Open Work Permit. Because the government anticipates that 127,000 PGWPs will expire by 2023.
