Last Updated On 16 May 2023, 9:41 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
IRCC has now updated full details on how to apply for PGWP Extension 2023. There are 3 different scenarios based upon which you can apply for Post Graduation Work Permit extension.
Reiterating if your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) has expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023, then you are eligible for 18-month extension.
Please read this article to end for all the details on eligibility, how to apply, fee payment, and question/answers.
Table of Contents
PGWP Extension 2023 Opt-In Option
We already shared the details about opt-in process in our previous article yesterday. However, we are again publishing all the details about opt-in option.
This option is only for the individuals with expired or about to expire PGWPs who received an email from IRCC until April 6, 2023.
Email will be from the email id ending with @cic.gc.ca or @notifications.canada.ca.
IRCC has been sending emails since March 31. We encourage PGWP holders to check their emails (junk or spam as well) to see if they receive an email for opt-in invitation.
As per IRCC instructions, the heading or subject of the email is 2023 Special Measure: Opt-in for Valid PGWP Holders.
PGWP holders receiving Opt-In email will need to login to their MyCIC or GCKey or IRCC secure account (all 3 are the same thing).
After logging in they will need to click on the below option and just select to opt-in for 18-month extension.
Opt-in PGWP holders must ensure that they reside in Canada, their current address is correct, and their passport details are up-to-date as well as expiration date is June 2025 or later.
As per IRCC, you should get your PGWP Extension by the end of June 2023 at your mailing address.
In-Canada and Outside-Canada PGWP Holders “NOT” Having Opt-In Option
This option is for current and previous holders of post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) who haven’t received opt-in email or not having this option in their GCKey.
Such PGWP holders will need to apply for an open work permit online on or before December 31, 2023, meeting the following requirements.
- post-graduation work permit (PGWP) has expired or is set to expire between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2023.
- include the fact in their new online open work permit application that they are applying under this public policy.
- having a valid passport
- To extend the period of your open work permit, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the day your PGWP expires (if it is still valid) or from the date your application is accepted (if your PGWP has expired).
- For instance, you will be given an open work permit for 12 months if your passport is valid for 12 months.
- To extend the period of your open work permit, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the day your PGWP expires (if it is still valid) or from the date your application is accepted (if your PGWP has expired).
- having one of the below listed status in Canada:
- temporary resident (work permit, visitor record, study permit or temporary resident permit) OR
- applied for status restoration (within 90 days of expiration of legal status) OR
- lost your temporary resident status and also exceeded 90-day limit of applying for restoration. You can still apply for status restoration and 18-month open work permit.
Eligibility for PGWP Holders Already Benefited From 2022 Policy
Expired PGWP holders who already benefitted from the previous PGWP Extension Policy in 2022 are eligible,
Only if their original PGWP (First PGWP after completing the study) expired after September 20, 2021, and on or before December 31, 2023.
However, if their Original PGWP expired before September 2021, then they are NOT eligible for 18-month extension.
How to Apply For PGWP Extension Without Opt-In Option
To apply online you will need to use your GCKey or create a new one. Furthermore, you will need a scanner (phone scanner works too) as well as credit or debit card.
In the open work permit application form make sure that you:
- Enter “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit in the Details of intended work in Canada section
- Enter “2023 PGWP PP open” as Job title
- Enter “Open work permit” in the Brief description of duties field
You can read the full instruction guide here 👇
Inside Canada
Outside Canada
Fees Payment For PGWP Extension 2023
PGWP holders eligible for extension are exempt from paying the $100 CAD open work permit holder fee.
However, they will need to pay the processing fee for work permit of $155 + $85 biometric fee (if required)
Additionally, the restoration fee of $229.77 will also be required if you are applying for restoration along with extension.
These fees needs to be paid before applying online as mentioned below.
If you have valid temporary resident status
- Go to fees for temporary residence applications.
- Scroll down to the row for workers.
- Select “Work permit (including extensions) – per person.”
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just your own work permit, enter “1”.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you need to give biometrics, scroll down to the row for biometrics.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just yourself, enter “1.”
- If you’re applying for 2 or more people, choose Biometrics – per family and enter “1.”
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- Select “Work permit (including extensions) – per person.”
The system will calculate the total amount you need to pay when you click “Submit.”
If you need to restore your status
- Go to fees for temporary residence applications.
- Scroll down to the row for your previous status (for example “Workers” if your work permit has expired).
- Select “Restore your status as a worker.”
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just your own work permit, enter “1”.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you need to give biometrics, scroll down to the row for biometrics.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- If you’re applying for just yourself, enter “1”.
- If you’re applying for 2 or more people, choose Biometrics – per family and enter “1”.
- Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
- Select “Restore your status as a worker.”
How to start your application for PGWP Extension 2023 open work permit?
After logging in to your GCKey or creating a new one, you will need select “Start your application.” > Choose “Application to come to Canada” > On the next page, scroll down to the line that says, “I do not have a personal reference code.” > choose “Visitor visa, student permit, or work permit”
What to do if I can’t apply online for PGWP Extension 2023?
You can submit a paper application if you cannot apply online due to disability or there is a trouble with the online application.
What to do if I need a new social insurance number?
You must present a digital copy of your work permit issued by IRCC in order to get or renew your social insurance number (SIN).
However, your temporary interim authorization cannot be used to obtain your SIN. As a result, you will need to apply online for your SIN after getting your work permit.
My PGWP expired prior to September 2021. Am I still eligible?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for PGWP extension 2023 because your PGWP expired prior to September 2021.
Are PGWPs expiring in January 2024 eligible?
As of now there is NO confirmation from IRCC and neither there is any expectation of similar extension for PGWPs expiring in January 2024 or later
What is PGWP Extension 2023 Error?
On April 12, 2023 numerous eligible PGWP Extension applicants reported receiving the new work permit with incorrect expiration dates.
Instead of 18 months from the PGWP’s initial expiration date, they received PGWP extension with an expiration date that was 18 months from the IRCC approval date.
Source: IRCC
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