Here’s all you need to know about the newest update from the Canada’s immigration Minister on Post Graduate Work Program.
New announcement for PGWP holders:
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, recently announced an exciting new policy that will benefit international students and recent graduates. From April 6, 2023, individuals with expiring Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) will be able to apply for an Open Work Permit extension for up to 18 months, giving them more time to stay and work in Canada.
Applicable for whom?
The new policy will be available to those whose PGWP expires in 2023, as well as those whose PGWP expired in 2022 and applied for IRCC’s Open Work Permit extension last year. This means that international students and graduates who have been facing difficulties finding employment and meeting the eligibility criteria for permanent residency will now have more flexibility and opportunities to stay and work in Canada.
Where to apply?
To apply for the Open Work Permit extension, candidates will be able to apply through the IRCC website starting on April 6, 2023. Once they apply, they will receive an email with an interim work permit authorization, which they can show to employers to continue working legally in Canada.
Is your legal status expired?
Moreover, individuals whose legal status in Canada has expired will also be able to apply to restore their status at the same time, even if their status expired outside of the 90 day grace period that IRCC provides. This means that they will be able to restore their status and get an interim Open Work Permit authorization as early as April 6, 2023.
How does it benefit international students and recent graduates?
This new policy is a significant development for international students and recent graduates, as it provides more flexibility and opportunities to stay and work in Canada. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the job market, and international students have faced unprecedented challenges in securing employment. With this policy, they will have more time to gain valuable work experience, potentially apply for permanent residency, and contribute to Canada’s economy.
The Canadian government has recognized the vital contribution that skilled international graduates make to the country’s workforce. Therefore, they have made changes to the PGWP program to make it easier for international students to obtain a PGWP and gain work experience.
Enriching the cultural diversity:
By providing international students and graduates with more opportunities to stay and work in Canada, the government is not only addressing the labor shortage but also enriching the country’s cultural diversity. International students bring different cultures and experiences that enhance Canada’s multicultural background and enrich the country’s social and economic landscape.
In conclusion, the Open Work Permit extension policy is a significant development that will benefit international students and recent graduates in Canada. It reflects the Canadian government’s commitment to supporting international students, attracting global talent, and addressing the country’s labor shortage. International graduates are essential to Canada’s workforce and cultural diversity, and this policy provides them with more opportunities to stay and work in Canada while contributing to the country’s economic growth and development. The chance to secure a bright future in Canada is just around the corner.
Facts:
- Did you know that extending a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) in Canada is typically not possible? International graduates often need to apply for a different work permit to prolong their stay. However, in the recent past, special policies were introduced in 2021 and 2022, offering extra work permits for those whose PGWPs were expiring.
- At the end of 2022, there were 286,000 graduates residing in Canada on valid post-graduation work permits! About 127,000 of them are set to expire in 2023 and around 67,000 of these PGWP holders have already begun their journey to permanent residence, meaning they won’t need to worry about extending through this initiative!
- International graduates play a crucial role in securing future permanent residency, with record-breaking numbers making the transition annually. In 2021, over 157,000 graduates achieved this milestone, followed by a staggering 95,000 in 2022 as the second-highest total ever recorded.
- In response to any issues PGWP holders faced with the 2022 facilitative process, IRCC has taken into account the lessons learned and adapted the strategy. Good news for those affected – the updated public policy allows eligible individuals from 2022 to apply for an open work permit and reinstate their status. Keep an eye out on IRCC’s website for instructions on how to apply, set to be released in the upcoming weeks!
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