In September 2024, Canada renewed the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program for another two years. This extension enables international graduates to get valuable job experience, thereby qualifying for permanent residency. The move is intended to retain qualified workers and address labor shortages in critical industries around the country.
Main Facts About the 2-Year Extension:
The extension affects PGWP holders whose licenses will expire in 2024, as well as those who have expired but meet certain qualifications. Holders of new work permits or those with pending work permit applications, including international grads are also permitted. This policy is effective until December 31, 2024, and it will provide an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain further job experience in Canada.
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What is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit enables graduates from specific Canadian learning institutions to work in Canada after graduating. Typically, with a maximum 3-year validity, the PGWP helps international students gain their first work experience in Canada, which is essential for applications such as PNP and Express Entry.
The majority of foreign students were previously forced to depart Canada because they were unable to become permanent residents before their work permits expired. Giving them an additional two years gives them more time to practice, which helps them gain the experience needed for PR.
The following are the requirements for eligibility for the Extension:
- Graduates from other countries should apply with a PGWP that expires in 2024.
- They are also eligible if they apply for a new work permit or to have their status restored after their PGWP expires.
- Applications currently being processed for permit extensions are subject to this policy.
An employment letter is one of the mandatory documents that applicants must submit. Applicants who plan to apply through the PNP may additionally need supporting letters from the provincial government.
Why Does This Extension Matter?
In actuality, the PGWP is a crucial pathway that many international students use to become permanent residents. Certain categories like the Canadian Experience Class are reserved for individuals who have worked in Canada; the extension helps graduates gain the experience required for these kinds of programs. As can be seen, the majority of these individuals will be in a precarious situation if they graduate without an extension, and they may even be compelled to leave the country if they are unable to obtain permanent residence.
The program benefits Canada’s economy as well because it encourages highly trained professionals to stay in fields where there is a current need for personnel, such as the technology, engineering, and health departments. The limitations of their immigration regulations and their desire to know how to become permanent residents are the problems that these adjustments aim to address for overseas students.
Provincial Programs for Nominees (PNP):
It’s crucial to remember that provinces are actively involved in making the PGWP expansion a reality. Provinces have the authority to grant work permits by issuing letters of support, even as they are admitting PGWP holders under the Provincial Nominee Programs. This gives the provinces the ability to create policies that are suitable for keeping foreign graduates employed in fields where local workers are scarce.
