International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits – which has almost doubled in a year.
The PGWP, typically a one-time issuance, was temporarily extended during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a recent extension granting an additional 18 months for permits expiring by December 2023. Previously, students relied on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category of the Express Entry system for permanent residency, but the absence of CEC-specific rounds has led to heightened competition. Now, students remain optimistic about a PGWP extension.
For more information please connect with an Immigration Consultant.
Canada expanded PGWP distance learning measures
On September 1, 2023, the Government of Canada extended measures allowing international students using the PGWP distance learning option to pursue their higher education in Canada to be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The measures introduced on October 6, 2022, and set to expire on August 31, 2023, have been extended to December 31, 2023.
Students who start their online study program between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, will be able to count the time spent studying online outside of Canada until December 31, 2023, toward the overall length of the PGWP if it does not exceed 50% of the program.
About the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, which enables them to get an open work permit while acquiring valuable Canadian work experience. Graduates can become eligible for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class in Express Entry by collecting skilled Canadian work experience in TEER categories 0, 1, or 3 through the PGWP Program.
For international students who want to live and work in Canada after completing their program of study, a PGWP is an open work permit.
PGWP holders are permitted to work for nearly any employer in Canada because it is an open work permit. The duration of the PGWP could last up to three years, depending on the length of the study program.
Want to know more details about the “International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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