Extension for post-graduation work permits for International Graduates. Here is what you need to know.
Canada allows extension of post-graduation work permits for up to 18 months to retain high-skilled talent. International graduates with a recently expired or expiring post-graduation work permit will now qualify for an extended work permit to stay back in the country and gain further work experience for up to 18 months.
As Canadian Employers persist to face groundbreaking challenges in identifying and retaining the workers they need during the period of economic recovery and growth, The Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has quoted “We need to use every tool in our toolbox to support employers who continue to face challenges in hiring the workers they need to grow. At the same time, we’re providing international graduates whose work permit are expiring or have expired with some additional time to stay in Canada to gain valuable work experience and potentially qualify to become a permanent resident.”
The Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced that: International graduates with a recently expired or expiring post-graduation work permit (PGWP) will qualify for an additional or extended work permit to stay longer and gain work experience for up to 18 months.
The Post Graduate Work Permit Program allows international graduates to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Commencing from April 6, 2023 these measures will allow PGWP holders who wish to extend their stay in the country to opt into a facilitative approach to extend their work permit and will allow Canadian employers to retain high-skilled talent.
Foreign nationals whose PGWP has already expired in 2023 and those who were eligible for the 2022 PGWP facilitative measure will also have the opportunity 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 beyond the 90-day restoration period, and will receive an interim work authorization while awaiting processing of their new work permit application.
Skilled and talented international graduates play an essential role in addressing Canada’s labor shortage, and those nearing the end of their PGWP are already well integrated into Canada’s labor market. The additional work permit policy will allow appropriate applicants to continue contributing to the Canadian economy while gaining worthwhile work experience and preparing for the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.
Source: