Canada Extend Post-Graduation Work Permits for International Students: Detail Here

The IRCC on Saturday announced an extension to the post-study work permits for its international student cohort by 18 months. International students, who are an important part of the country’s workforce and contribute significantly to its economy, will be relieved by the move.

Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced the extension on March 19, 2023, stating that it would allow international graduates to stay in Canada longer and gain valuable work experience.

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) is a Canadian initiative that allows international graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience by obtaining an open work permit.

After completing their studies, graduates are given the opportunity to work in Canada, allowing them to gain work experience and integrate into Canadian society. The PGWP programme has proven to be popular among international students because it provides a path to permanent residency in Canada.

What is the PGWP Extension?

The PGWP extension is a policy that allows international graduates with recently expired or expiring PGWPs to qualify for an additional or extended work permit, allowing them to stay longer and gain more work experience for up to 18 months.

Individuals with post-graduation work permits, as well as those whose permits were set to expire in 2023, are eligible for the extension.

What are the Benefits of the PGWP Extension?

The PGWP extension benefits both international graduates and the Canadian economy.

First, it allows eligible applicants to continue contributing to the Canadian economy while gaining valuable work experience in preparation for applying for permanent residence.

Second, because international graduates are an important part of Canada’s workforce, it allows employers to retain high-skilled talent. Third, it contributes to Canada’s labour shortage by supplying skilled workers who are already integrated into the labour market.

How to Apply for the PGWP Extension?

PGWP holders who want to stay longer can use a streamlined process to extend their work permit beginning April 6, 2023. Foreign nationals whose PGWP has already expired in 2023, as well as those who qualified for the 2022 PGWP facilitative measure, will be able to apply for an additional 18-month work permit.

Those with expired work permits will be able to restore their status, even if they are past the 90-day restoration period, and will be granted interim work authorization while their new work permit application is processed.

In conclusion, the PGWP extension is a welcome move that will provide relief for international students in Canada. It provides them with the opportunity to stay longer in Canada and gain valuable work experience, contributing to Canada’s economy and addressing the labour shortage.