Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has declared that international graduates with an expired or expiring post-graduation work permit (PGWP) can now acquire an extended work permit that lasts for up to 18 months. This new measure aims to provide more work experience opportunities for international graduates who wish to stay longer in Canada. The PGWP program, which provides international graduates with an open work permit to gain Canadian work experience, is a significant factor in Canada’s labor market.

Starting from April 6th, 2023, PGWP holders who want to continue their stay can opt-in to a facilitative process to extend their work permit. This process will help Canada retain high-skilled talent and provide opportunities for foreign nationals whose PGWP has already expired in 2023, and those who were eligible for the 2022 PGWP facilitative measure, to apply for an additional 18-month work permit.

Additionally, those whose work permits have already expired beyond the 90-day restoration period can still restore their status and receive an interim work authorization while waiting for their new work permit application to be processed.

Talented and skilled international graduates play a crucial role in addressing Canada’s labor shortage, and those who are nearing the end of their PGWP are already well-integrated into Canada’s labor market. The extended work permit will allow eligible applicants to continue contributing to the Canadian economy while gaining valuable work experience and preparing for the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.