PGWP

Canada is one of the world's most attractive destinations for international students.

Last year, Canada welcomed 450,000 new international students, an all-time record.

Although most Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders will be ineligible to apply for a permit extension, this article will detail if you may be eligible for an extension and the options available if you are not eligible.

International students and their spouses or partners may be eligible to work during their studies.

Canada has now extended the validity of interim work authorization for international graduates to 180 days, up from 120 days, to support their transition into the workforce while waiting for work permit decisions.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) enables international students to gain Canadian work experience, which can help them transition to permanent resident status.

On February 15, 2024, Canada introduced a significant change to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, enabling international students who graduate from master’s or Ph.D. programs to receive a three-year work permit, regardless of their program’s duration.

If you are working in Quebec and holding a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), you need to have a valid work permit while you are waiting on a decision for your immigration application.

The wait is over for the students who have been waiting to apply for their study permits. The Quebec Government (MIFI) has started issuing updated CAQs which will serve as an Attestation Letter required to apply for a study permit as per the instructions by the Federal Government released on January 22, 2024.

Starting April 6, 2023, some current and former Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders may be eligible for an 18-month Open Work Permit.

Following a temporary pause that has been in place since September 2021, Express Entry invitation rounds for CEC candidates are set to resume in July. Also, the processing standard for new applicants is expected to return to six months.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a critical initial step for many international students after completing their studies in Canada. The PGWP allows graduates to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program. While the PGWP is not a PR pathway itself, the Canadian work experience gained through it is highly beneficial and often essential for qualifying for various PR pathways.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates in the Express Entry pool have not been invited to apply for permanent residence since the last-all program draw, nearly two months ago, on January 18.

Recent consultations outline the possibility of targeting Express Entry candidates who have key attributes such as occupation, sector, being a temporary resident, and French language proficiency.

Distance learning measures have been extended to August 31st, 2023.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced they are extending distance learning measures that were implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the introduction of new automated tools to assist processing of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and work permit extensions. This is the first step to move to using artificial intelligence within the immigration department.

IRCC is set to reform the International Student Program, enhancing measures against fraud and ensuring genuine acceptance letters for study permits. By fall 2024, a "recognized institution" framework will prioritize study permit processing for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

Starting today, master's students in Canada can now look forward to a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP), even for programs shorter than two years.

Canada has released instructions for how certain Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders can apply for a new open work permit or extend the one they currently have.

As part of today’s press conference, Minister Miller also made two Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) related announcements.