On December 7, IRCC unveiled updates for Canada’s international student program. Notably, no further extensions will be provided for expired PGWP holders, prompting a review of available options. Explore available options for expired PGWP holders in Canada.
Because of COVID-19-related delays and post-pandemic recovery, the IRCC has extended PGWP permits three times in recent years. During the IRCC’s processing delays and Express Entry draw pauses, these extensions allowed PGWP holders to continue working.
The latest extension, which went into effect on April 6, is for PGWP holders whose permits expire on or before December 31, 2023. An open work permit for 18 months is granted.
The IRCC highlights that PGWP holders are still eligible for an extension if their permits expire on December 31.
With a typical validity of up to three years depending on the length of the academic program, PGWPs allow overseas students to work and remain in Canada after graduation. Generally speaking, authorities cannot renew these permissions, except in cases where an exceptional scenario justifies an extension.
A significant 98,000 PGWP holders became permanent residents in 2022, accounting for over 82% of all temporary residents who became permanent residents in that year.
The IRCC predicted that by 2023, there will be about 268,000 PGWP holders in Canada when its 2022 statistics were released. Furthermore, it was projected that 127,000 PGWP permits would expire in 2023. These figures offer insightful information on the significant contribution of PGWP to the smooth transition of temporary visitors to permanent residents of Canada. Keep up with these trends to thoroughly grasp the immigration scene.
What implications does this have for candidates in the Express Entry system?
The preferred option for PGWP holders hoping to become permanent residents of Canada is Express Entry. Candidates may become anxious as the PGWP extensions draw closer to their expiration, especially those still awaiting an ITA.
People whose PGWPs are about to expire and who have not yet obtained an ITA risk losing their ability to work in Canada. The strain on PGWP holders in the Express Entry pool is increased by the recent, inexplicable suspension of drawings for the program from October 26 to December 6. They are unable to apply for permanent resident status or keep their status while the IRCC processes their application without an ITA. This case emphasizes how crucial it is to keep abreast of changes to the Express Entry process in order to successfully manage obstacles and opportunities in pursuit of permanent residence in Canada.
IRCC held three draws between December 6 and December 8. Interestingly, two of these draws targeted applicants proficient in French (1,000 ITAs) and those with prior experience working in STEM fields (5,900). In the all-program draw on December 6, 4,750 candidates received invitations, marking a significant increase over previous all-program draws, with a CRS score of 561.
What to do if your PGWP is about to expire?
In this case, candidates for Express Entry have different ways to remain in Canada until the IRCC makes a final judgment. It’s important to understand, though, that candidates could have to put their work on hold during the ITA waiting period and while the IRCC processes their applications.
Documentation of Visitor
Applying for a visitor record is necessary if you want to stay longer in Canada after your PGWP expires.
It is advisable to initiate this process at least 30 days before the expiration of your PGWP. A visitor record normally has a six-month validity period, however, this can change based on the specifics of each case, as per IRCC norms.
Make a new work permit application
Although it takes more time and money, individuals can apply for a new work permit while they wait for an Express Entry draw. Individuals in search of continuous employment may consider other choices such as obtaining an Open Work Permit.
In order to acquire a closed work permit, candidates may also think about requesting that their company undergo a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This allows you to stay and work in Canada, but it restricts your ability to work for other companies.
If your application for PR has already been submitted
It’s possible that you can get a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you’ve applied for permanent residency and are awaiting an answer from IRCC. BOWPs allow PR candidates to continue working in Canada while they wait for the IRCC’s ruling. Those who applied through economic immigration programs such as the Agri-Food Pilot Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or Express Entry may use this option.
Do you have any queries on PGWP? Get in touch with our immigration representatives at MakeHomeCanada by writing to us at [email protected].
