Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shared some exciting news on April 22, 2022 for recent international student graduates working in Canada. If your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is expiring in 2022, you may now extend your stay in Canada by up to 18 months!
Edit (August 2, 2022): IRCC has released new details on how to apply for this extended-deadline work permit. Click here for more information!
Starting this summer, graduates with PGWPs expiring this year will qualify for an additional open work permit. An extra 18 months in Canada means more time to:
- Gain work experience.
- Continue networking and building professional relationships.
- Prepare your Express Entry profile and improve your chances of qualifying for permanent residency.
IRCC estimates that up to 50,000 applicants could benefit from this policy update, and will provide further application details later this spring.
Did you know: Former students who held Canadian study and work permits tend to have higher incomes as permanent residents!
The Value of PGWPs
This measure is the latest in a series of updates from the IRCC over the past two years to support international students studying in Canada. In fact, this April’s announcement is similar to another open work permit opportunity which was available last year.
PGWPs are available to students who graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, and allows them to stay in Canada to work after graduation. Permits typically last from eight months to three years, depending on how long the student studied in Canada for.
In 2020, an impressive 98% of students who applied for a PGWP were granted one.
Canada’s Commitment to Students
This update is also great news for soon-to-be international students planning to study abroad in Canada. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to ongoing support for international students in Canada—not only during their studies, but afterwards too.
For those interested in staying, Canada is a strong supporter of immigration, and relies on it to support the country’s economic and population growth.
Visit the IRCC newsroom website for more details and the most up-to-date information on work permit eligibility.
Are you ready to start your own study abroad journey in Canada? Find your perfect institution and program on the ApplyBoard Platform.
