Canada Extends PGWPs for up to 18 Months to Retain High-Skilled Talent
Summary: The Canadian government has announced an 18-month extension for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) in a bid to retain high-skilled talent. This will allow international students who hold a PGWP to remain in Canada and continue working temporarily while they apply for permanent residency. The new policy applies to students who have a PGWP that expires on or after January 30, 2022. The move is part of Canada’s strategy to attract and retain international talent and support its economic recovery post-pandemic.
The Canadian government has announced a new measure to help retain high-skilled international graduates by extending their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) for up to 18 months. The announcement was made by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, on April 6, 2023.
What is Post-Graduation Work Permit Program?
The PGWP is a popular work permit program that allows international students who have completed their studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable work experience in Canada. The permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the student’s program of study.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the PGWP program, a student must have completed a full-time program of study that lasted at least eight months at a designated learning institution in Canada. The student must also have maintained full-time status as a student throughout their program of study and must have graduated from a public post-secondary institution, a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, or a private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees.
Extension of Post-Graduation Work Permit for up to 18 months
Under the new measure, PGWP holders who have an expiration date on or after January 1, 2023, can apply for an 18-month open work permit extension. This extension will allow them to continue working in Canada while they pursue other immigration options, such as applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.
The extension is a significant development for international graduates who have been struggling to secure alternative work permits or obtain visitor records if their PGWP expires before they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. This issue has been particularly challenging for graduates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of Express Entry, as they typically rely on their Canadian work experience to boost their CRS scores.
The new measure is also a win for Canadian employers, who will be able to retain the high-skilled talent they have invested in training and developing. By extending the PGWPs, the government is sending a clear signal that Canada is open to welcoming and retaining international talent.
The move aligns with the government’s ambitious Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to welcome more than one million new permanent residents by 2023. International graduates are a crucial part of this plan, as they bring valuable skills and experience to the Canadian economy.
How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension
The extension of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program is a positive step for international students who wish to stay and work in Canada. It provides them with more time to gain valuable Canadian work experience and improve their chances of becoming permanent residents. If you’re an international graduate looking to stay and work in Canada, this extension could be an excellent opportunity for you. Contact Expedite Visa today to learn more about the PGWP extension and other immigration options available to you.