December 7, 2023, marked prominent changes in the international student program announced by the IRCC.
The most important among them was the discontinuation of additional extensions to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders.
In the recent couple of years, IRCC has granted PGWP work permit extensions three times. The measure was taken in light of the labor market chaos induced by COVID-19 and its aftermaths in post-pandemic recovery. Anyway, it helped PGWP holders continue living and working in Canada while IRCC was grappling with unexpected processing delays and pauses in the Express Entry draws.
The last such work permit extension was done on April 6, 2023, when the work permit was set to expire on or before December 31, 2023. The extension stays valid for 18 months.
This PGWP is nothing but a sort of non-renewable open-work permit valid for three years. It allows international graduates to work in Canada after their graduation is over and amass invaluable Canadian work experience.
98,000 PGWP holders were granted PR in 2022. This signified almost 82% of all temporary residents who got Canada PR that year.
Furthermore, per 2022 data, IRCC projects there will be 268,000 PGWP holders in Canada in 2023 and 127,000 permits would cease to exist.
How Will This Affect Express Entry Candidates?
Among PGWP holders aspiring to get Canadian PR, Express Entry is one of the most viable and popular options. Now many of these aspirants might be upset by this news flash.
Some of these candidates might be awaiting their ITA, and upon their PGWP expiry, they will not be able to work in Canada.
On top of this, the sudden pause in Express Entry draws from October 26 to December 6 added to their existing woes. Without an ITA they would not be able to apply for PR while IRCC processes their applications.
In fact, between December 6 and December 8, IRCC held three draws. One of the draws was category-based for French language proficiency, inviting 1,000 candidates, while another one targeted STEM occupations, inviting 5,900 applicants. The third draw held on December 6 witnessed an unusually high CRS cut-off of 561 points and was an all-program draw.
What Are Your Options To Consider If Your PGWP Is Expiring?
Apply For A Visitor Record
We recommend PGWP holders to consider applying for a visitor record at least 30 days before the expiry, to remain in Canada even after the work permit expiry. These are typically valid for 6 months, but this may vary depending on the case.
Get Yourself A Bridging Open Work Permit
If PGWP holders have already submitted an application for PR, they may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This way, they will be able to keep working until a final decision is made by the IRCC on their PR status.
The program applies to individuals who have submitted applications under the Express Entry, PNP, Quebec Skilled Workers, or Agri-Food Pilot programs.
Explore And Apply For Other Work Permit Options
Some PGWP holders might be eligible for other employer-specific or open work permits. We recommend PGWP holders scout for these options while waiting for an Express Entry draw.
Applicants can also secure a closed work permit by asking their employer to get an LMIA. With a closed work permit, PGWP holders can keep working in Canada for the same employer and not for other employers.
