Last Updated On 7 April 2023, 10:34 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
PGWP Extension 2023: International students with expired or expiring Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can now apply for an extension for another 18 months.
Usually, PGWP is only issued once to an international student after completing their study.
Eligible candidates can apply online using their MyCIC account or GCKey with opt-in feature between April 6, 2023 and May 20, 2023.
Eligible candidates without this opt-in feature will be able to apply for an extension until December 2023.
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PGWP Extension 2023 Eligibility
International students having a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that has recently expired or is about to expire (PGWP) in 2023, are eligible for an extension of 18 months.
Furthermore, international students whose PGWP has already expired in 2023, as well as those who qualified for the 2022 PGWP extension are also eligible to apply for an extra 18-month work permit.
Additionally, individuals with expired work permits will be allowed to restore their status, even if they are past the 90-day restoration limit, and will be granted temporary work authorization while their new work permit application is processed.
So, post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders described above will be able to do the following beginning on April 6, 2023:
- opt in to a streamlined procedure to renew their work permit (only if you receive opt-in email from an email address that ends in @cic.gc.ca or @notifications.canada.ca or have an option in GCKey account),
- apply online using MyCIC account to renew PGWP, or
- apply to restore their status and get a new work permit
Application Process
The IRCC has already created a new tool that allows PGWP holders to renew their open work permits which can be accessed through GC Key account.
PGWP holders eligible for this simpler and speedier process will be able to apply for their work permit using an opt-in feature.
International students eligible for opt-in feature will be able to use the below option to apply after logging into their GCKey.
They will just need to update their IRCC online account with latest postal address and passport details to receive the 18-month extension via post.
International students not having this opt-in option in the GCKey will be required to submit a full regular application as is normally done to apply for a work permit.
PGWP holders who do not have their online account, can create new one here to apply for their work permit.
Applicants who applied for PGWP via a representative/consultant can also seek assistance from them in applying for the PGWP Extension 2023.
If an individual misses to apply between April 6, 2023 and May 20, 2023, then they can still apply for an extension but through the normal open work permit application until December 2023.
PGWP Extension 2023 “Opt-in” Email
IRCC sent ‘opt-in’ letters/emails to chosen Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders starting 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. Eligible PGWP holders can still apply online using MyCIC account.
PGWP Interim Work Authorization
Reports are that IRCC is currently sending out emails for Interim Work Authorizations to international students with expired PGWPs, if they are eligible for an extension.
This temporary work authorization reportedly has validity until May 31, 2024.
As per minister’s announcement, this interim work authorization can be stapled with expired PGWPs.
It is important to note that these PGWP holders will get an 18-month extension; although, interim work authorization is only until May 31, 2024.
This is to allow the eligible individuals to continue to work while their application is under processing.
Click here for more information on interim work authorization.
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