PGWP Open Work Permit Extension - Themillenniumimmigration

PGWP Holders: Apply for an Open Work Permit Extension

If you are a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holder and your work permit expired or is set to expire in 2023, or between September 2021 and December 2022, you may qualify for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months.

The introduction of this additional open work permit is part of a special policy by the Government of Canada.

If you need assistance with your work permit application, THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION is a top Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of experience.

Please fill out our contact form to schedule a free telephone consultation with our work permit lawyers.

Overview
Who is eligible for this OWP?
What is the PGWP?
Can I work while I wait for my OWP?
More About the Open Work Permit Extension
Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Overview

Effective April 6, 2023, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders whose permits have expired or will expire in 2023 may be eligible for an open work permit extension. This measure also applies to those eligible for the previous PGWP extension whose status expired between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022.

This special policy aims to provide tens of thousands of international graduate students with an additional 18-month open work permit (OWP), allowing them to extend their stay in Canada and assist businesses in filling workforce gaps.

Canada is introducing this measure to support the country’s economic recovery and post-pandemic growth. With hundreds of thousands of unfilled jobs and labor shortages across various sectors, Canada acknowledges and values the significant contributions of international graduates to its communities and economy.

Who is eligible for this OWP?

As of April 6, 2023, international students whose Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) have expired or are set to expire in 2023 can apply for an extension of their status for up to 18 months.

Those with expired PGWPs can restore their status, even if it exceeds the usual 90-day restoration period, and will receive interim work authorization while their new work permit application is processed.

Furthermore, individuals whose PGWP expired between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, are now eligible to extend their work permits for an additional 18 months. Those currently in Canada can work while their permit is being extended or a new one is being issued.

Starting April 6, 2023, eligible PGWP holders will receive messages through their IRCC Secure Account with details on how to opt in and update key personal information for the application to extend or renew their work permit.

Can I work while I wait for my OWP?

IRCC has announced that both cohorts—those whose PGWP expires in 2023 and those whose PGWP expired between September 2021 and December 2022—will be eligible for interim work permit authorization while they await the processing of their new open work permits.

More About the Open Work Permit Extension

Canada remains committed to supporting individuals who wish to build their lives in the country. Throughout the pandemic, the Canadian government has introduced various policy changes to assist thousands of students in their pursuit of education and immigration.

Typically, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are issued for a fixed duration and are not extendable. International students graduating from eligible full-time programs may qualify for an open work permit valid for up to three years.

Acknowledging the pandemic’s impact on the education sector, especially for recent international students, the Canadian government has implemented special policies to help these students gain valuable work experience and improve their chances of qualifying for immigration programs that lead to permanent residency.

Contact THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION for Assistance

Do you need work permit assistance? THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION can help. With over 11 years of experience, we specialize in assisting workers and employers in obtaining Canadian work permits.

Please fill out our short form to submit your question directly to our firm. One of our lawyers will reach out to schedule a free telephone consultation.