Canada announces extension of post-graduation work permits for up to 18 months to retain high-skilled talent

Date Announced:

March 17, 2023

Active Period:

Starting April 6, 2023 (up to 18 months)

Overview:

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced that international graduates with a recently expired or expiring post-graduation work permit (PGWP) will quality for an additional or extended work permit to stay longer and gain additional work experience for up to 18 months. The PGWP Program allows international graduates to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Starting April 6, 2023, these measures will allow PGWP holders who wish to stay longer to opt in to a facilitative process to extend their work permit and will allow Canada to retain high-skilled talent.

Departments and Agencies:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Type of Administrative Action:

  • Guidelines and rule changes

    • Immigration Category:

    International students

    Keywords:

    international students; labour shortage; open work permit; PGWP

    Source Document(s):

    https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/03/canada-announces-extension-of-post-graduation-work-permits-for-up-to-18-months-to-retain-high-skilled-talent.html

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