If you have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that has expired, or will expire in 2023—or if it expired between September 2021 and December 2022—you might qualify for an open work permit extension of up to 18 months. This opportunity comes as part of a special policy introduced by the Government of Canada to aid PGWP holders. Need help with your work permit? Immigration to Canada is a top-notch Canadian immigration firm with over 45 years of experience in the field.
Starting April 6th, 2023, individuals holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that has expired, or will expire in 2023, might qualify for an extension of their open work permit. This new policy also benefits those who qualified for the earlier PGWP extension, whose authorization was due to end between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022.
This initiative aims to grant thousands of international graduates an additional 18-month open work permit (OWP), enabling them to prolong their stay in Canada and help meet labor demands across various industries.
The Canadian government has introduced this special measure to aid economic and post-pandemic recovery. With numerous job openings nationwide and labor shortages in multiple sectors, Canada acknowledges and supports the critical contributions international graduates make to both the economy and community life.
Starting April 6th, 2023, international students whose Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) have expired or are due to expire in 2023 will be eligible to extend their status for up to 18 months.
If your PGWP has already expired, you can still restore your status, even if it’s past the usual 90-day restoration period. You will receive interim work authorization while you wait for your new work permit application to be processed.
Additionally, if your PGWP expired between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, you now qualify for an 18-month work permit extension in Canada. If you are currently residing in Canada, you can continue working while your permit is being renewed or a new permit is issued.
Starting April 6th, 2023, eligible PGWP holders will receive guidance on how to opt in and update personal information using their IRCC Secure Account to extend or renew their work permits through Immigration to Canada.
Immigration to Canada has announced that individuals in certain categories can work while they wait for their Open Work Permit (OWP). This applies to those whose Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is set to expire in 2023, as well as to those whose PGWP expired between September 2021 and December 2022. These individuals are eligible to receive interim work permit authorization during the processing of their new open work permit application.
Immigration to Canada consistently supports individuals aspiring to build their future in the country. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Canadian government has introduced numerous policy updates to assist thousands of international students aiming to study and settle in Canada.
Typically, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) come with a fixed duration and cannot be extended. However, international graduates from a recognized full-time program might qualify for an open work permit valid for a maximum of three years.
Acknowledging the various challenges that the pandemic has brought to the educational sector, particularly affecting recent groups of international students, the Canadian government has enacted specific measures. These policies are designed to help students accumulate valuable work experience, enhancing their eligibility for immigration programs that lead to permanent residency.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Open Work Permit Extension is a pathway provided by Immigration to Canada to help graduates of Canadian educational institutions extend their stay and continue working in Canada. This extension is specifically designed for individuals who have previously received a PGWP but need additional time to gain Canadian work experience, which can be beneficial for future immigration applications such as permanent residency.
Eligible candidates typically include those whose PGWP is about to expire and who require more time to enhance their professional skills and career opportunities in Canada. This initiative aligns with Canada's broader vision of retaining skilled international graduates by providing them with the flexibility to stay connected to the Canadian labor market. By allowing graduates to extend their permits, Canada aims to support individuals in gaining practical work experience, which can be critically important for strengthening applications for permanent residency in the future.
To be eligible for the PGWP Open Work Permit Extension, applicants must meet specific criteria set by Immigration to Canada. Firstly, candidates should hold a valid PGWP that is either nearing expiry or has expired recently. They need to demonstrate continued residence in Canada at the time of the application, as the extension is aimed at individuals currently residing in the country.
Applicants must also show that they have maintained full-time employment or are actively seeking employment in Canada. Fulfilling these conditions indicates a genuine interest in contributing to the Canadian economy and society. Additionally, it is crucial for applicants to have adhered to immigration regulations during their stay, such as not exceeding the allowed work hours while on a study permit, to reflect compliance and integrity.
The application process for the PGWP Open Work Permit Extension with Immigration to Canada involves several steps designed to ensure that candidates meet all requirements. Applicants begin by gathering necessary documentation, such as proof of current and past employment, a copy of their original PGWP, and any other relevant immigration documents.
Once all documents are collected, applicants must complete the application form for the work permit extension, which can be submitted online through Canada's immigration portal. It is important to ensure all information is accurate and complete, as errors or omissions could result in delays or rejection of the application.
Applicants are also required to pay the appropriate processing fees at the time of submission. After submission, it may take several weeks for the application to be processed, during which Immigration to Canada may request additional information or documents. Applicants should regularly check the status of their application and be prepared to respond promptly to any requests from immigration authorities.
Extending a PGWP through Immigration to Canada provides numerous benefits to international graduates. Primarily, it allows them to remain in Canada and continue gaining valuable work experience, which can be crucial when applying for permanent residency or other immigration programs. This experience not only enhances their professional skills but also helps integrate them more fully into Canadian society.
Additionally, working in diverse occupational settings across the country enables PGWP holders to expand their professional networks and potentially secure more advanced positions in their fields. The ability to change employers and explore different provinces offers flexibility and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Moreover, the extension of the PGWP helps address Canada's labor market needs by retaining talented graduates who contribute to the country’s economic development. By allowing foreign graduates to further their careers in Canada, the PGWP Open Work Permit Extension aligns with the nation’s goals of fostering a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
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