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New Extension for PGWP Holders

Posted on 19/04/2023

As we explained at MaxCan Visa here, in August of 2022, IRCC has been granting extensions to Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) over the last couple of years to simplify the path to permanent residence for international graduates who are now working temporarily in Canada. Those who qualify apply for an Open Work Permit with an 18 month validity period.

Now – as of April 6, 2023 – we have another similar extension of the program for PGWP/Open Work Permit holders – both for those whose permit has expired and those whose permit is still valid.

Those who now qualify for this latest extension are as follows:

  • Those whose PGWP expired in 2023 can apply for an 18-month extension by means of an open work permit. You will receive an interim work authorization even if you are beyond the 90-day period (from the date your PGWP expired) that will allow you to continue working until you successfully apply for your new Open Work Permit.
  • Those who were eligible under the 2021 and 2022 programs can also apply.

If you received an IRCC email inviting you to opt in through a simplified process, starting April 6, 2023 until May 20, 2023, you should:

  • Check that the email ends in: @cic.gc.ca OR ends in: @notifications.canada.ca
  • Make sure that:
    • You reside in Canada
    • The mailing address on your letter is correct
    • Your passport information is correct, and your passport expires on or later than June 2025.
  • Log into your IRCC Secure Account (Or sign up for an account)
  • Scroll down to Start an application and select the following option: Post-graduation work permit holder: Extend your open work permit (up to an additional 18 months)
  • Select opt-in. This will give you an additional 18 months from the date your application is approved.
  • You should get your new Open Work Permit by the end of June 2023

If you don’t apply (opt-in) before your current work permit expires or you aren’t eligible for the above process then you have to apply for a one-time non-extendible open work permit as follows:

  • If you’re in Canada:
    • You must apply on or before December 31, 2023.
    • Your PGWP expired or will expire between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2023.
    • If your PGWP is still valid then your new permit will be valid from the date your PGWP expires or from the date your passport expires, whichever is earliest.
    • If your PGWP has expired then your new work permit will be valid from the date your application is approved or your passport expires, whichever is earliest. So, you should consider renewing your passport to get the most out of your new work permit.
    • You either have temporary resident status, OR have applied to restore it, OR will apply to restore it at the same time as you apply for your new work permit.
      • Go here for more information on restoring your status.
    • To apply online:
      • Have a scanner or digital camera to make copies of documents
      • Have a valid Credit or Debit Card to pay your fees online
      • Read Guide 5553 carefully for instructions
      • In the section Details of intended work in Canada, select Open Work Permit
      • Enter 2023 PGWP PP open in job title
      • Enter Open work permit in brief description of duties
      • DON’T pay the Open Work Permit fee (CAD 100)
      • DO pay the following fees: Work Permit processing fee (CAD 155); Biometrics fee (CAD 85) if applicable; Restoration fee (CAD 200) if applicable.
      • PLEASE NOTE: Pay your fees before you apply online.
      • To pay go here and click on Immigration. Scroll down and click on Temporary Residence. Scroll down to Workers and click on Work permits (including extensions) – per person. Remember to fill in the number of permits you’re applying for. Scroll down further to Biometrics (if it applies to you) and choose per person or per family. Finally, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the blue Submit button to get your total fees.
      • Keep a copy of your Receipt of fee payment.
      • Next, sign into or create your IRCC online account to begin the application. Click on Start your application on the welcome page and click on Apply to come to Canada. Scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.
      • Go here and click on the blue create an account or sign in button at the bottom of the page to start the process.
    • If you’re outside Canada:
      • Follow the same steps as outlined above and apply online. Go here for more information.

Posted in News Tips and tagged PGWP, PGWP extension

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