PGWP Extension 2023

What is PGWP?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program allows international students who have completed their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to gain valuable work experience in their field of study. The program is an important pathway for international students who wish to stay in Canada and contribute to the Canadian workforce.

In 2023, the PGWP extension program will continue to be an essential tool for international students who want to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies. Here are some key things to know about the program in 2023:

1. Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for the PGWP extension program in 2023, international students must have completed their studies at a DLI in Canada and must have a valid study permit at the time of the application. The length of the PGWP will depend on the length of the study program, with a maximum of 3 years.
2. COVID-19 Considerations: The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for international students in Canada. The Canadian government has implemented several measures to support international students during this time, including allowing online studies to be counted towards PGWP eligibility, and permitting students to work more than 20 hours per week during the pandemic.
3. Application Process: International students can apply for a PGWP extension up to 90 days before their current permit expires. The application process involves submitting the application form, supporting documents, and paying the application fee. Processing times can vary, but most applications are processed within 4–5 months.
4. Benefits of the PGWP: The PGWP program provides international students with several benefits, including the ability to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, earn money to support themselves, and potentially transition to permanent residency in Canada through various immigration programs.
5. Immigration Pathways: The PGWP can be an important pathway to permanent residency in Canada. International students who gain work experience through the program may be eligible for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class or other immigration programs.

Canada allows PGWP extension from April 6, 2023

The Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honorable Sean Fraser, has announced a new measure to support international graduates with an expired or expiring post-graduation work permit (PGWP). These graduates will be able to obtain an additional or extended work permit, which will allow them to remain in Canada for up to 18 months and gain further work experience. The PGWP Program provides international graduates with an open work permit, enabling them to acquire valuable Canadian work experience.

Effective April 6, 2023, eligible PGWP holders who wish to stay in Canada for a longer period can participate in a facilitative process to extend their work permit. This measure aims to retain high-skilled talent in Canada. Furthermore, foreign nationals whose PGWP has already expired in 2023 or those who were eligible for the 2022 PGWP facilitative measure can also apply for an additional 18-month work permit. Even those whose work permits have expired beyond the 90-day restoration period will have the opportunity to restore their status and receive an interim work authorization while awaiting processing of their new work permit application.

Skilled international graduates play a critical role in addressing Canada’s labour shortage, and those who are nearing the end of their PGWP are already well-established in the Canadian labour market. The additional work permit will allow eligible graduates to continue contributing to the Canadian economy while gaining further work experience and preparing for the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.

Immigration Pathways

The PGWP can be a crucial pathway to permanent residency in Canada. International students who gain work experience through the program may be eligible for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class or other immigration programs. By gaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP program, international students can demonstrate their value to Canadian employers, potentially leading to job offers and a pathway to permanent residency.

Want to apply for PGWP Extension? Call or WhatsApp — +1–416–897–6664 or book an appointment.