Canada Announces Work Permit Extension for PGWP Holders!

Surya Rathee
[Published 18 Mar, 2023 | 04:56 AM]
About Author - 4 min read
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In a recent announcement, the Canadian government's immigration body, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has extended the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) by an additional 18 months.

Applicants with an expiring or expired PGWP will now be able to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) extension as of April 6, 2023. This extension will also be available to applicants whose PGWP expired in 2022 and who applied for an OWP extension last year.

What does the extension signify?

The Post-Graduate Work Permit is a program that allows international students who have completed their studies in Canada to stay and work in the country for a certain period. The extension of the program means that international students who graduate from a Canadian institution in the coming months will have more time to gain valuable work experience, contribute to the Canadian economy, and become eligible to apply for Canada PR.

The decision to extend the PGWP is a significant one, as it comes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused widespread disruption to international travel and the economy. Many international students on a Canada Study Visa, who had planned to return to their home countries after completing their studies were unable to do so due to travel restrictions, and the job market has been challenging for graduates.

A relief to international students

The extension of the PGWP will provide much-needed relief to these students, as it will give them more time to find employment and gain work experience in Canada. This experience will be invaluable for their future careers and will also benefit the Canadian economy.

The IRCC has stated that the extension will apply to all international students who have graduated from a Canadian institution since January 2020 or who will graduate in the coming months. The extension will also apply to those who have already applied for a PGWP - or who will apply in the future.

A positive step!

The announcement has been welcomed by many stakeholders, including educational institutions, student organizations, and immigration advocates. They see the extension as a positive step towards retaining international talent in Canada and promoting Canada as a destination of choice for international students.

The extension of the PGWP is a significant announcement by the IRCC, which will benefit international students who have been affected by the pandemic. It will provide them with more time to gain work experience in Canada, which will be beneficial for their future careers, the Canadian economy, and their eligibility to apply for Canada PR.