The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) is in the process of accepting and processing applications from individuals with a PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit) who are about the have their permits expire shortly. This process began on January 27, 2021, and allowed eligible to apply for the Canadian Immigration program.
There is a lot of focus on keeping former international students as immigrants under this new program. Government research indicates that previous international students integrate into the Canadian job market more rapidly and successfully after achieving permanent residence, which is a major reason for establishing the new work permit application process. This research is backed and supported by Federal and Provincial governments.
Due to the current situation of Covid-19, many individuals with PGWP may not have the ability to meet the current guidelines for work experience required for Canadian immigration. For this reason, the public policy was changed to allow for more time, up to 18 months, to obtain the work permits and keep them valid.
An estimated 52,000 individuals hold PGWP permits, which may benefit from this policy change. The deadline to submit applications for the work permit is July 27, 2021.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the 18-month Canadian work permit?
- Applicants must have a PGWP that has expired January 30, 2020, or will expire within 4 months of the new application date.
- Mention of this application must be made when applying for the new work permit.
- You must have been in Canada on January 27, 2021, when the changes came into effect for the policy, and must still have a valid temporary status that allows you to remain in Canada. If you do not hold this status, you must show that you applied to reinstate it.
- You must have a valid passport, and the IRCC recommends that it is still valid for at least up to 18 months from the date that your application is approved. If your passport is set to expire before 18 months, your work permit may be reduced to coincide with the passport validity length.
