Canada extends international students' work permits for 18 months

You have the option to extend your expired or expiring PGWP by an additional 18 months, which allows you to stay in Canada for a longer duration.

The Canadian government has announced a new extension for post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) that allows international students who have completed their studies and wish to work in Canada to stay longer. This extension applies to graduates with PGWPs that expired in 2022, as well as those set to expire in 2023, and grants them an additional 18-month stay in the country. The announcement was made by the Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

What is a PGWP?

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is a document that allows international students who have completed their education in Canada to stay and work in the country. Normally, PGWPs are valid for two to three years and cannot be extended. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PGWPs have been extended in the past.

Who is eligible for a PGWP extension?

This new extension applies to international students who have graduated from a Canadian educational institution and have a PGWP that either expired in 2022 or will expire in 2023, making them eligible for the extension.

PGWP holders will be provided information to update their details online to extend their permit. The processing of extensions will begin on April 6, so it's important to keep an eye on your email as this date approaches. In the meantime, you will be granted an "interim work authorization" while your new PGWP is being processed.

With over 250,000 graduates holding a PGWP, Canada currently boasts a significant number of skilled international workers. However, approximately 127,000 of these permits are set to expire this year if not extended.

If you have applied for permanent residence in Canada and hold a PGWP, you won't require an extension for your permit.

What is the PGWP "restoration period"?

Typically, if a PGWP expires, there is a 90-day window to restore it by reaching out to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. However, for this extension program, the 90-day restoration period is not applicable. Regardless of the status of your PGWP, you will still be able to apply for an extension when contacted.

Why is Canada extending graduated students' PGWPs?

In short, Canada is taking measures to address long-term workforce shortages by allowing more educated individuals to remain in the country, contribute to the economy, and establish a life. This is particularly significant for a country like Canada, which has an aging population.

Additionally, the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship is currently grappling with a significant backlog of citizenship and permanent residence applications. By offering automatic extensions to PGWPs, the government can alleviate some of the burden on both employers who may be concerned about losing valuable employees and workers who wish to remain in Canada but face processing delays for their paperwork.

Several programs that assist graduates in obtaining permanent residency in Canada, such as the Canadian Experience Class, have been suspended for several months. It is currently unclear when these programs will be reinstated.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Canada offers beneficial work opportunities for international students and studying in Canada is indeed a beneficial decision, but not all courses provide a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as an integrated part of the program. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right course and university for your higher education to increase your chances of getting employed while studying or after successfully completing your program. We suggest that students approach a genuine study visa consultant who can guide them towards a suitable course that will yield good results and work opportunities. Pyramid E-Services has helped thousands of students choose the right career path by providing them with the right knowledge and guidance. You can reach out to us through our official number (92563-92563) or visit our offices.