The last few months have been a complete turnaround and busy for the Canadian government. First, they increase the number of enrols in Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW), then Express Entry Draws, Saskatchewan’s new immigration programme and now open work permit to PGWP holders; everything is happening rapidly.

The Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser is on a roll and leaving no corner unleashed to boost the Canadian economy through sheer immigration programs.

On April 22, Sean Fraser announced the new temporary policy, allowing international students to stay in Canada by applying through an open work Permit. And this time, the open work permit has come with an additional time extension – 18 months.

Isn’t it a golden opportunity for those eligible Pgwp international students who wish to seek permanent residency in Canada after their study completion? Indeed it is, but before jumping into the details of the open work permit to PGWP holders, let’s find out;

What is Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP are specially designed Canadian open work permit program. It gives eligible international students who postgraduate from Canadian designated learning institutions the freedom to work under any employer and enterprise in Canada.

The PGWP program validation period surge between eight months and three years is one of the prominent mediums to gain Canadian work experience after post-graduation.

Because once an international student gains extensive work experience in Canada through this program, it will lead them to multiple opportunities to obtain permanent Canadian citizenship.

Who are all eligible for PGWP?

To obtain eligibility for the Post Graduate Work Program (PGWP), a candidate must be 18 plus and have studied in Canada full-time – a minimum of 8 months. The post-graduation must have been completed at a designated learning institution (DLI).

Note – An international student needs to apply for the work permit within 180 days post completion of their post-graduation.

Suppose an international student is applying from within Canada; they need to carry a valid status at the time of application. And, if their study permit has expired or is about to expire, they need to first apply for a visitor status before applying for the PGWP.

However, applicants who apply for a PGWP before the expiration of their study permit are eligible and allowed by the Canadian government to begin working full time immediately while their application is under process. International students may apply for a PGWP from overseas.

Open Work Permit For PGWP Holders 2022

The motive behind this open work permit to PGWP holders is simple – giving the postgraduate international students a fair chance to stay longer in Canada, fulfil the vacant position in different companies, boost the Canadian economy and obtain permanent Canadian residency.

The PGWP work permit is a reaction to the previous Express Entry Draws action. The Express Entry Draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has been on hold since September 2021.

Due to this, the PGWP holders’ work permits are expiring. They are forced to apply for a new PGWP work permit, quit their jobs, or leave Canada ASAP.

As per the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, around 95,000 PGWPs will expire in 2022, and approximately 50,000 international students may benefit from this measure.

After the announcement, the IRCC seems to be in full action mode. According to resources, Canada has processed more than 100,000 PGWP work permit holders’ applications in the first quarter of 2022, doubling the number processed over the same period last year.

Looking back to the previous record, more than 157 000 international students have become permanent residents, transiting 88 000 directly from the PGWP to permanent residents.

Immigration Canada Service (ICS)

Whereas there is so much happening in the Canadian immigration segments, getting confused with the new implementation of terms and conditions is evident.

But, if you have professional help besides, what seems like a daunting task turns out to be a cakewalk. It would be a wise decision for you to approach Immigration Canada Service (ICS) for any queries and personal assistance regarding the PGWP work permit news and application process.

We won’t disappoint you as we have the expertise to provide the best immigration consultation of all.

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