PGWP holders in Canada can now apply for open work permits. As per IRCC, PGWP holders will receive an 18-month extension to work in Canada.
Beginning on April 6, 2023, anyone who has qualified for the current or previous Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will receive an 18-month open work permit. As per Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this policy will support Canadian employers due to a labour shortage. Even PGWP holders will be given extra time to switch to permanent residence status in Canada.
As per the new Open Work Permit, this extended period will allow an individual to work for any organisation in Canada for up to 18 months. Further, if an applicant is not eligible to work, they can still apply for a new work visa.
A candidate who is staying in Canada can log into their IRCC account and must have a valid passport. The expiration date of the passport must be June 2025 or later. In the event that an individual does not have an IRCC secure account, they can create one by attaching their most recent PGWP application before May 20, 2023.
The extension of the open work permit is a big step in the case of PGWP holders. The new extension will be an opportunity for an individual to gain more work experience in Canada. There are multiple Canadian immigration programmes that favour an individual’s Canadian experience.
In recent years, approximately 98,000 PGWP holders have become permanent residents in Canada. Approximately 82% of all temporary residents have now earned a PR status.