Today, IRCC Minister Sean Fraser provided an update on new PGWP extension policy. He announced inclusion of international graduates having expired post-graduate work permit (PGWP) since September 20, 2021.
Reiterating as we quote, he said “We’re now extending post-graduate work permits to international graduates whose permits expired or will expire between September 20th, 2021 and December 31, 2022.”
It’s important to mention here that details of new temporary policy is still not out. “Information on how to apply for the special measure will be posted on our website in the coming weeks.” he added.
INC – Immigration News Canada is proud of contributing to this cause by urging to minister’s office (April 23, 2022) on inclusion of expired PGWPs between September 2021 to January 2022.
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April 23, 2022
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What is this temporary policy?
On April 22, 2022 IRCC Minister announced new temporary public policy for expired or expiring post-graduate work permit holders (International graduates). This policy was announced to address Canada’s labour shortage.
According to this policy, “Starting in summer 2022, former international students who are in Canada and have a post-graduation work permit expiring between January and December 2022 will qualify for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months.”
This was because there wasn’t any CEC express entry draw since September 14, 2021. Usually, applicants under CEC who get invitation to apply (ITA) and submit their application, qualifies for a bridging open work permit (BOWP). But, in the absence of CEC draws, they were in limbo with limited option to stay in Canada. Or, just an option to leave Canada.
To deal with this and retain Canadian labour, IRCC minister announced the new temporary public policy for expired or expiring PGWPs on April 22, 2022. A group of international graduates with expired PGWPs between September 2021 to January 2022 were left out of this new policy. These were the most affected one because of no CEC draw.
So, the left out PGWP holders protested and put forward their concern to IRCC Minister. And, We (INC – Immigration News Canada) are proud of supporting the cause by writing to IRCC minister, Sean Fraser on this matter. We urged him to include expired PGWPs between Sep 2021 and January 2022.
As a result of collective effort and Minister Fraser being a rationale individual the policy was extended to expired PGWPs since September 2021. So, now any international graduate whose PGWP expires/expired between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2022 will be eligible for additional 18 months open work permit.