Starting April 6, 2023, a new measure will be introduced that enables Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who desire to extend their stay in Canada to participate in a streamlined process for work permit extension. This initiative aims to help Canada retain highly skilled talent.
In 2023, foreign nationals with expired PGWPs and those eligible for the 2022 facilitative measure can apply for an additional 18-month work permit. Individuals with expired work permits will be granted the opportunity to restore their status even if they have passed the 90-day restoration period, and they will receive interim work authorization during the processing of their new work permit application.
Key points to note:
Eligible PGWP holders will begin receiving notifications about accessing their online IRCC Secure Account starting April 6, 2023, to opt in and update crucial personal information.
IRCC has taken into account the issues faced by PGWP holders during the 2022 facilitative process and has incorporated lessons learned into the new public policy. This policy allows those eligible under the 2022 initiative to apply for an open work permit and restore their status.
Instructions for applying will be made available on IRCC’s website in the coming weeks.
Background
International graduates play a significant role as potential permanent residents in Canada. In 2021, a record high of over 157,000 graduates transitioned to permanent residence, followed by nearly 95,000 in 2022, the second-highest total ever.
Generally, PGWPs are non-extendable, and holders seeking to prolong their stay in Canada must apply for a different type of work permit as their PGWP expires. Public policies introduced in 2021 and 2022 offered additional work permits for those with expiring PGWPs.
As of the end of 2022, more than 286,000 international graduates held valid post-graduation work permits in Canada. Approximately 127,000 PGWPs are set to expire in 2023. However, around 67,000 PGWP holders have already applied for permanent residence and will not require a work permit extension through this initiative.
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