Starting from April 6, 2023, certain current and former holders of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) may be eligible for a 1.5-year Open Work Permit, with
How to Apply for an Open Work Permit Extension with an Expiring Open Work Permit?
Starting from April 6, 2023, certain current and former holders of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) may be eligible for a 1.5-year Open Work Permit, with the application window expected to remain open until December 31, 2023. This permit enables qualifying individuals to work in any occupation and for any employer in Canada for up to 18 additional months.
Eligible applicants can choose to extend their work permit through a simplified process, apply to extend their work permit, apply to reinstate their status and obtain a new work permit, or, even if they do not qualify to choose, they still may be eligible for a work permit.
The simplified process requires applicants to be living in Canada and take necessary actions before May 20, 2023, to ensure their mailing address and passport information is up to date, and opt for up to an additional 18 months by visiting their IRCC secure account. Those who do not have an account must register and link their recent PGWP application to their account before May 20, 2023.
This special public policy is meant to help employers across Canada address labour shortages and offer PGWP holders more time to transition to permanent residence. PGWP allows eligible international graduates to work for up to three years after completing their studies in Canada.
Having Canadian work experience is a valuable asset for those seeking permanent residence, and programs like Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and other economic class pathways prioritize candidates with Canadian experience by offering them more points and dedicated streams. Canada welcomed a record number of 800,000 international students in the previous year, with 82% of temporary residents who attained permanent residency in 2022 being holders of PGWPs.
It is estimated that around 127,000 PGWPs will expire in 2023, but approximately 67,000 PGWP holders have already applied for permanent residency, which means they will not require a new Open Work Permit under this special policy measure.
