Great news, grads. International graduates in Canada with a recently expired or soon-to-expire post-graduation work permit (PGWP) are now eligible for an extension of up to 18 months to stay and work in Canada.
Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, made the positive announcement on March 17, 2023. This is life-changing news, enabling international graduates in Canada to get more work experience, fill sector skill gaps, and better prepare for their permanent residency application.
PGWP holders (or recently expired PGWP holders) may apply online for the extension as of April 6, 2023.
Keep reading for more details about this exciting announcement and to learn whether you qualify—even if you’ve already gotten a work permit extension in the past.
Opting In for the Extended Work Permit
If you’re eligible for the extension process, you should soon receive a message from the Canadian government. Starting on April 6, you will need to log into your IRCC secure account to verify your information and opt in to participate in the extension.
Plus, if your PGWP has already expired in 2023, or if you were eligible for last year’s extension, you’ll also have the chance to apply for a new 18-month work permit.
If your work permit has expired, you’ll be able to restore your status, even if it’s past the usual 90-day restoration period. Once you apply, you’ll be emailed an interim work permit authorization so you can continue legally working while waiting for your new work permit to be processed.
More details on how to apply will be released on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website in the coming weeks.
Canada Invests in International Students
Canada relies on international students to build the country’s workforce, contribute to the Canadian economy, and fill long-term skill gaps. Work permit extensions have been offered annually for the past two years, and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to supporting its international student graduates.
The IRCC expects this policy to benefit around 127,000 international graduates in Canada who have PGWPs expiring in 2023. Of those, around 67,000 PGWP holders have already applied for permanent residence and may not need the additional work permit.
An additional 18 months in Canada lets you gain more work experience, develop your skills, and build your resume. If you’re interested, it also gives you more time to prepare your Express Entry profile, improving your chances of qualifying for permanent residency.
Although PGWPs typically can’t be extended, this additional work permit policy provides an effective solution. The message to international students is clear: Canada wants you to continue studying, working, and living here.
The Benefits of Work Permits
Post-graduation work permits are reserved for students who graduate from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions. These permits usually allow students to stay in the country for eight months to three years after graduation.
This year’s extension, along with the 2021 and 2022 extensions, have helped give a fair chance to graduates whose entry into the workforce or ability to stay in Canada was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.
If you’re a soon-to-be international student considering where to study abroad yourself, take note: Canada is a welcoming country, and is committed to providing opportunities for its international students to learn and grow.
Visit the IRCC newsroom website for more details and the most up-to-date information on work permit eligibility.
Looking for guidance with your own study abroad journey? ApplyBoard can help you with everything from application to arrival.
