An additional open work permit, valid for up to 18 months, can be obtained by eligible Post-Graduation Work Permit holders.
Earlier this month, Immigration Minister "Sean Fraser" announced a temporary extension of the stay of international graduates in Canada.
Students who graduate from an international university in Canada this summer and whose Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires between January 2022 and December 2024 can be offered an additional open work permit for 18 months. It is not ordinarily possible to extend or renew a PGWP under normal circumstances.
Announcing this decision will allow PGWP holders to remain in Canada longer, gain work experience, and improve their chances of becoming permanent residents.
Several PGWP holders whose permits are expiring are currently forced to apply for new work permits, quit their jobs, or leave the country due to the pause in Express Entry draws in September.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) noted that nearly 95,000 PGWPs would expire in 2022, giving probably 50,000 individuals the opportunity to apply for this measure.
Fraser announced the plan while unveiling a slew of immigration policies to support economic-class immigrants.
Also, beginning in July, the Express Entry draws will be for skilled workers, such as the Canada Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates.
Recent months have seen an increase in IRCC processing.
The number of work permit applications processed by Canada during the first quarter of 2022 has doubled from last year's first quarter. The number of former students who went directly from a postgraduate work program to permanent residency reached over 157,000 last year.