IRCC announces former international students may apply for an open work permit

To support international students during the current trying times, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that former international students who currently or previously hold a Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will have the chance to apply for an open work permit. These students affected by COVID-19 and have an expired or soon to expire PGWP will have the opportunity to apply for another work permit.

IRCC estimates that around 52,000 graduates with expired or expiring PGWPs could benefit from the new policy.

The new permits will be valid for eighteen (18) months and allow former international students to remain in Canada. The foreign nationals will need to seek employment to ensure their success in Canada.

The pandemic has resulted in disruption to the application process and has jeopardized foreign national’s chances of receiving the work experience they need to apply for a permanent residence. To combat this uncertainty, the Canadian government has made efforts to ensure that international students are looked after and are comfortable. These foreign nationals help boost the Canadian economy by filling labour shortages in certain job groups. Moreover, the internationals bring a different culture and life experiences to the workforce. This new policy is to ensure that international students build their futures in Canada while aiding in the recovery of Canada through this pandemic.