Great news for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders! On April 6, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced an 18-month extension for PGWP holders whose
Great news for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders! On April 6, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced an 18-month extension for PGWP holders whose work permits are expiring in 2023. This extension will also be available to those who were eligible for an extension in 2022.
To be eligible for the extension, you must have an expired or expiring PGWP in 2023. You will receive a message from IRCC on how to opt-in for the extension, and the application process is simplified, meaning you won’t need to submit a traditional application.
Once you apply and are eligible, you will receive an interim work authorization email, allowing you to continue working in Canada for another 18 months. You can share this email with your employer to show that you can continue to work legally in Canada.
Even if your status expired more than 90 days ago, you can still restore your status and apply for the PGWP extension. This means you’ll be eligible for the interim work authorization email from IRCC.
The extension aims to allow PGWP holders to gain more valuable Canadian work experience, increasing their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class pathway in Express Entry. Since the competition in Express Entry is high, having more Canadian work experience can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
In conclusion, the new 18-month extension is excellent news for PGWP holders looking to stay and work in Canada, gain more work experience, and potentially secure permanent residency.
