IRCC: Express Entry Draws To Resume and Offers Open Work Permit To PGWP Holders

April 22, 2022 – Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Honorable Sean Fraser announced that the Express Entry draws will be resuming draws. In addition to this, starting July invitations for candidates to apply for permanent residency will resume. The majority of the new applications for Express Entry will be processed within the standard of 6 months.

Along with this, Minister Fraser also made a number of major announcements such as Porst-Graduation Permit holders will be given an offer by the IRCC of Open Work Permit extension up to 18 months. Those individuals whose PGWP is expiring between January and December 2022 will be qualified for an additional open work permit for up to 18 months starting this summer. Currently, the IRCC is a simplified process id being worked by the IRCC and will be providing further details in the coming weeks. Throughout the time that the application is being processed, applicants no longer need to remain in Canada.

All the applicants who applied for an Open Work Permit while they are waiting for the processing of their permanent residence application will be able to receive work permits that are valid until the end of 2024. This will help ensure that all applications for permanent residency will be finalized before applicants will need to apply for an extension of their temporary status. In addition to this, with the aim of supporting family reunification, immediate family members who are included in the principal applicant’s application for permanent residency who are living outside Canada will be eligible for their own open work permit.