IRCC Announced that some current and former Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders may be eligible for an 18-month Open Work Permit from April 6, 2023

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that some current and former Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders may be eligible for an 18-month Open Work Permit from April 6, 2023. The application window will be open until December 31, 2023. This is a special public policy to help employers across Canada address their historic labour shortages and to provide PGWP holders with more time to potentially transition to permanent residence.

To be eligible for the simplified process, you must reside in Canada and have an IRCC Secure Account. Candidates must take action before May 20, 2023, and apply before their work permit expires. To qualify for the simplified process, candidates must ensure that their mailing address is up to date, passport information is up to date and has an expiration date of June 2025 or later, and opt in for up to an additional 18 months. If a candidate is not eligible to opt in, they can still apply for a work permit.

PGWPs allow eligible international graduates to work for up to three years after they complete their studies in Canada. The ultimate length of a PGWP depends on the length of the program completed by the international graduate. PGWPs are popular since they allow international graduates to strengthen their eligibility for Canadian permanent residence. Many of Canada’s economic class immigration programs reward candidates who have Canadian work experience since such experience helps support labour market integration upon gaining permanent residence.

Canada hosted an all-time record 800,000 international students last year, and almost 98,000 PGWP holders transitioned to permanent residence in 2022, accounting for nearly 82 per cent of all temporary residents who transitioned to permanent residence. IRCC noted there were over 286,000 PGWP holders in Canada at the end of last year. The department estimates some 127,000 PGWPs will expire in 2023, however about 67,000 PGWP holders have already applied for permanent residence and hence will not need to apply for a new Open Work Permit through this special policy measure.

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