The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently made several announcements regarding Canada’s international student program. A significant update they confirmed was that there will not be any additional extensions to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for holders.
Previously, the IRCC had offered PGWP holders work permit extensions three times over the years. However, they made the decision to not provide any further extensions to the permit holders. This measure initially came after the labor market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and during post-pandemic recovery, allowing PGWP holders to continue working in Canada despite processing delays and paused Express Entry draws.
However, despite the end of these extensions, PGWP holders whose permit expires on or before December 31 are still eligible for the extension. The PGWP allows international students to stay in Canada and work once they have graduated from their academic program.
In 2022, nearly 98,000 PGWP holders became permanent residents, accounting for almost 82% of all temporary residents who became permanent residents that year. In addition, IRCC estimated that in 2023 there would be 268,000 PGWP holders in Canada, and that 127,000 permits would expire.
The end of the extensions to PGWP holders could have an impact on Express Entry candidates who want to obtain permanent resident status in Canada. New concerns arise as PGWP holders face the prospect of losing their eligibility to work in Canada if they have not yet received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and are waiting for an all-program draw.
To stay in Canada and wait for a final decision on their application from IRCC, Express Entry candidates can apply for a visitor record, apply for another work permit, or apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if they have already submitted an application for permanent residence. Candidates are encouraged to explore their options to continue working while they wait for an ITA and while they wait for IRCC to process their application.
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