Great news, grads. International graduates in Canada with a recently expired or soon-to-expire are now eligible for an extension of up to 18 months to stay and work in Canada.听
Canada鈥檚 Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, . This is life-changing news, enabling international graduates in Canada to get more work experience, fill sector skill gaps, and better prepare for their permanent residency application.
PGWP holders (or recently expired PGWP holders) may apply online for the extension as of April 6, 2023.听
Keep reading for more details about this exciting announcement and to learn whether you qualify鈥攅ven if you鈥檝e already gotten a work permit extension in the past.听
Opting In for the Extended Work Permit
If you鈥檙e eligible for the extension process, you should soon receive a message from the Canadian government. Starting on April 6, you will need to log into your to verify your information and opt in to participate in the extension.
Plus, if your PGWP has already expired in 2023, or if you were eligible for last year鈥檚 extension, you鈥檒l also have the chance to apply for a new 18-month work permit.听
If your work permit has expired, you鈥檒l be able to restore your status, even if it鈥檚 past the usual 90-day restoration period. Once you apply, you鈥檒l be emailed an interim work permit authorization so you can continue legally working while waiting for your new work permit to be processed.听
More details on how to apply will be released on the in the coming weeks.
Canada Invests in International Students
Canada relies on international students to build the country鈥檚 workforce, contribute to the Canadian economy, and fill long-term skill gaps. Work permit extensions have been offered annually for the past two years, and demonstrate Canada鈥檚 commitment to supporting its international student graduates.听
The IRCC expects this policy to benefit around 127,000 international graduates in Canada who have PGWPs expiring in 2023. Of those, around 67,000 PGWP holders have already applied for permanent residence and may not need the additional work permit.听
An additional 18 months in Canada lets you gain more work experience, develop your skills, and build your resume. If you鈥檙e interested, it also gives you more time to prepare your profile, improving your chances of qualifying for permanent residency.
Although PGWPs typically can鈥檛 be extended, this additional work permit policy provides an effective solution. The message to international students is clear: Canada wants you to continue studying, working, and living here.听
The Benefits of Work Permits
Post-graduation work permits are reserved for students who graduate from eligible Canadian . These permits usually allow students to stay in the country for eight months to three years after graduation.听
This year鈥檚 extension, along with the 2021 and 2022 extensions, have helped give a fair chance to graduates whose entry into the workforce or ability to stay in Canada was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.听
If you鈥檙e a soon-to-be international student considering where to study abroad yourself, take note: Canada is a welcoming country, and is committed to providing opportunities for its international students to learn and grow.
Visit the for more details and the most up-to-date information on work permit eligibility.听
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