New announcement on PGWP Extension 2023: Today, Canadian minister of immigration the Honourable Sean Fraser makes an announcement to extend post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).
IRCC extends Post Graduation Work Permits for 18 months that are expired or expiring in 2023.
Those who were eligible for PGWP extension in 2022 will also qualify for this new extension.
Beginning April 6, 2023, these changes will allow PGWP holders who want to remain longer to participate in a facilitative procedure to extend their work permit, allowing Canada to retain high-skilled personnel.
PGWP holders who are eligible for the facilitative procedure will shortly get reminders about login onto their online IRCC Secure Account to opt in and amend critical personal information beginning April 6, 2023.
For those who apply, will receive by an email, the interim work authorization, which they can affix to their expired PGWPs.
This will enable them to continue work for 18 months in Canada and apply for permanent residency.
Former international students with expired PGWPs will also be able to apply for this new open work permit.
They will also be able to apply for restoration, even if they are beyond the time (90 days) required to apply for restoration.
International students with expired or expiring Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can apply for an extension for another 18 months starting April 6, 2023.
Eligible candidates can apply online using their MyCIC account between April 6, 2023 and May 20, 2023.
Interested candidates who do not have their online account, can create one here.
If an individual misses to apply between these dates, then they can still apply for an extension but through the normal open work permit application.
PGWP Extension 2023 “Opt-in” Email
IRCC sent ‘opt-in’ letters to chosen Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders on March 31, 2023, encouraging them to participate in a streamlined procedure in which candidates must submit their applications by May 20, 2023.
However, if you did not receive this email, then you don’t need to worry. You are still eligible to apply online using MyCIC account.
Background
INC – Immigration News Canada reported on February 12, 2023 that IRCC Minister is working on solution of Expiring PGWPs and announcement could be made in March 2023.
What is important about PGWP Extension announcement today?
Usually, post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are not allowed any extension and an international student can only have a PGWP once.
However, IRCC implemented a temporary public policy in August 2022 that permitted PGWP holders with expiration status on or before December 31, 2022 to extend their stay for an extra 18 months.
Reason behind this was absence of any CEC draw after September 2021, which is the major pathway for international students with 1 year of Canadian experience to apply for permanent residency (PR).
This new policy permitted approximately 40,000 PGWP holders to continue working in Canada.
But the drought of CEC draws continued in 2023 and PGWPs are already expiring and some will expire soon.
As a result, IRCC Minister is expected to make another PGWP extension today.
With Canada allowing PGWP extension 2023, it will at least allow PGWP holders to continue working and stay in Canada.
Things to Watch Out For
It will be an important announcement to see what is the range of dates that minister will include to allow PGWP extension.
Moreover, the exact date on which the details on how to apply for the policy will be released.
Will the PGWP holders have to apply for the extension OR it will be automatically granted or updated?
Any hint on when the CEC only draws will resume or exact date of starting targeted Express Entry draws.
Off topic, if minister acknowledges the issue of 700 international students being deported.
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