Post-Graduation Work Permit Holders may be Eligible for 18 Month Extension.

On 8th January 2021, Immigration-refugee and citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an announcement regarding the unique extension of post-graduation work permit (PGWP). International students that are studying in Canada ideally receive a PGWP of study duration plus 4 extra months to gain a Canadian experience and eventually take the decision to apply for permanent residency. 2019-2020 have been completely unpredictable due to COVID-19 due to which many people lost their jobs failing to procure their permanent residency. Honorable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship made a decision that the students falling under specific criteria will be able to apply for an open work permit of 18 months more.

Image source: IRCC twitter handle.

Who can apply?

The international student who fulfills the below three criteria are eligible for this extension:

1- Students who have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020, or a PGWP that expires in 4 months or less from the date they apply.

2- The individual is still residing in Canada.

3- Student must have a valid temporary status, or be applying to restore their status.*

For the students that are eligible for the given criteria, the application is opening on January 27th and ending on July 27th, 2021. Details regarding how to apply will be available on the IRCC website after January 27th, 2021.

Image source: IRCC official website.

Facts regarding PGWP and permanent residency (PR):

According to the data provided by IRCC, a total of 61,000 students had a PGWP expiring in 2021 among which few already have their permanent residency certificate or have applied for it. IRCC expects that a total of 52,000 students will be benefited from this unique extension.

“Whether as nurses on the pandemic’s front lines or as founders of some of the most promising start-ups, international students are giving back to communities across Canada as we continue the fight against the pandemic. Their status may be temporary, but the contributions of international students are lasting. This new policy means that young students from abroad who have studied here can stay and find work while ensuring that Canada meets the urgent needs of our economy for today and tomorrow. Our message to international students and graduates is simple: we don’t just want you to study here, we want you to stay here.”

—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.

International students play a major part in the economy of the country. They study in this country and later give back to the community in form of manpower, skilled profession, and entrepreneurship. According to the minister of IRCC, the immigration of international students will not only boost the economy of Canada but will also help to cope up with the retiring population and keep up the retirement benefits. Through this new policy, the IRCC has emphasized the importance of international students in economic growth and development of Canada.

Source-

Immigration-refugee and citizenship Canada

IRCC Twitter account.