Canada has recently announced a policy for former international students with post-graduate work permits. The good news for PGWP holders is that they can now apply for open work permits and get an additional 1.5 years extension. This policy has been initiated to retain the young talents as the country aims at more international graduates to transition into Permanent residents.
According to the update, the individuals who hold or held a PGWP on or after January 30th will now have to opportunity to apply for open work permit and get a bonus of 1.5 years of work opportunity.
To quote Marco Mendicino-“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,”. He further added that “Our message to international students and graduates is simple: we don’t just want you to study here, we want you to stay here.”
As per government estimation International students contribute more than $21 billion annually to Canadian economy and offer support to the vitality of the Canadian communities. Mendicino further added that “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.” As per government estimation with this new update more than 52,000 graduates would be at advantage.
This new policy change would provide students with ample opportunity to gain work experience and not rush into getting a work experience prior to expiry of their PGWP. Further, addition of 18 months is certainly a remarkable opportunity to gain additional experience and later apply for Canada permanent residency programs such as express entry, provincial nominee or Quebec immigration. In addition one cannot deny the efforts of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party. The administration has made “significant efforts” to encourage international students to settle permanently in Canada, with more than 58,000 graduates successfully applying to immigrate permanently in 2019.
Further, the 2020 government has a target to welcome 1.2 million new permanent residents between 2021-2023. Owing to these numbers the news is a welcoming change and can provide relief to students planning to start their study in Canada or already enrolled in the program.
The IRCC authorities added that candidates who remain in the country post graduation “create jobs and fill labour shortages so our businesses can thrive”. Also those who stay in the country bring with them strong employment and language skills which are strengthened by their Canadian education and work experience.
As per IRCC data- Around 505 of 61,000 PGWP holders with work permit expired between January and December 2020 are on the pathway to being permanent residents with their application in processing or already have become permanent residents.
Applicants planning to benefit from this latest development must hold a PGWP that expired on or after January 30 or have a work permit that expires in four months from the application date to be eligible.
Further, applicants must be in Canada and in hold of a temporary status (Study visa) or should be applying to restore their status through extension programs.
Applications as per the latest development and new policy will be open from January 27 to July 27, 2021.
Candidates planning to apply for Canada study visa and avail benefit of transition their temporary status into permanent should contact their Canada study visa consultant in Chandigarh, West Highlander at 9915999677.
In case of any query related to Canada study visa application and intakes aspirants can contact us at our given numbers.