IRCC paused on sending out invitations to apply for the Federal skilled and Canadian Experience Class streams thru Express Entry since September 2021 until July 2022 which impacted many post graduation work permit holders (PGWP). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary public policy to allow eligible PGWP holders to apply within a 6-month intake period for an open work permit that will be valid for up to a maximum of 18 months.
Who are eligible:
- Students enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs in progress in March 2020
- Students who began or will begin PGWP-eligible programs between spring 2020 and summer 2022
To be eligible for the temporary public policy changes to the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), the applicant must:
- Have a study permit
- Have been approved for a study permit
- Have submitted a study permit application prior to beginning their program that was eventually approved
Question- Can I continue to work after submitting a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application?
Yes. As per paragraph R186(w), graduates who apply for a work permit, such as PGWP, before the expiry of their study permit are eligible to work full-time without a work permit while waiting for a decision on their application if all of the following apply:
- They hold a valid study permit at the time of the PGWP application
- They have completed an eligible program of study.
- They meet the requirements for working off campus without a work permit under paragraph R186(v) (that is, they were a full-time student enrolled at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program of at least 8 months in duration that led to a degree, diploma or certificate).
- They did not exceed the allowable hours of work under paragraph R186(v).
Starting Aug 8, 2022, foreign nationals with PGWP’s that have expired or will expire from September 20, 2021 to December 31, 2022, will receive an email indicating that they are allowed to work in the interim. Recipients can attach to this email to their post-graduation work permit to show an employer they are authorized to work temporarily in Canada. This one-time measure is intended to ensure that those eligible for the additional 18 month work period can remain working or can return to the workforce while they apply for a new work permit. This interim work period will be
in effect until May 31, 2023.
Please note that to be considered under this public policy, PGWP’s must have expired or be expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022. All work permit applications must be submitted online by December 31, 2022.
If you have questions regarding the above article, you may contact Marjorie at [email protected]
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
