New PGWP Extension Policy - The Much-Needed Measure by IRCC

Post by : Admin on Aug 04,2022

Canada is one of the leading destinations for global talents to flourish. Employers from different fields in Canada are looking for skilled candidates to fill thousands of vacancies in wide range of sectors. Moreover, immigrants play an integral role in fueling the Canadian economy. Thus, on 22nd April 2022, Sean Fraser, the Canadian immigration minister, revealed a new PGWP extension policy. This policy is a measure to negate the negative effects of a long pause in Express Entry CEC draws since 2021. 

What is the new PGWP Extension Policy?

The new PGWP extension policy is for foreign nationals with expired or soon-to-be expired post-graduation work permits from 20th September 2021 to 31st December 2021. It enables them to work in Canada for 18 months extra through a new permit application or work permit extension. 

This policy also benefits the temporary residents in Canada waiting to get through permanent resident pathways. Earlier, they had to quit jobs and wait for their permit extension. The new policy lets them work during the process. 

What are the benefits of the policy?

IRCC shared the following scenarios where the new policy will come in handy:

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Updated address. Passport valid through April 2024. 

Do not respond to the confirmation email from IRCC. You will get the updated work permit through the mail by mid-October. 

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Address and/or passport validity not updated. 

Follow the instructions in the email you receive from IRCC. This will help them know that you need to update your address. You will, however, not get this initial email if IRCC is unable to extend the work permit within 18 months due to passport validity issues. You will get a separate mail in September. 

The IRCC will send you instructions via email about how to update the mailing address and passport validity in your online account. There is two weeks' time to update the details. Once done, you will get the updated work permit by the middle of November through the mail. 

Thus, if your passport isn't valid, you cannot benefit from this new policy. Check the passport’s validity first. Apply for an extension if you see if it expires before 2nd April 2024. Link your application to your online account if you are applying for the permit using a paper application. 

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Address or passport validity cannot be updated. 

You can wait to apply till the renewal of your passport. You can also extend the work permit to your passport's expiration date. The right way is to apply online for a work permit extension. 

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. No contact from IRCC. 

This happens when you are ineligible for this new policy. You can be eligible if any information about your admissibility to Canada requires further review. You can, however, apply online for a work permit extension. 

  • The post-graduation work permit will expire or has expired from 20th September 2021 to 1st October 2022.  

In this case, too, you have to apply online. Temporary residents with an expired temporary status should apply for its restoration at the same time. The new policy lets them restore the status even if it expired 90 days ago. If you have left and want to apply from abroad, you are eligible if you are approved to return to Canada. 

Note to remember: Submit the work permit applications for this new policy online by 31st 

December 2022. 

Can the foreign nationals work in the interim?

Foreign nationals with an expired or soon-to-expire post-graduation work permit will get an email from the IRCC that will allow them to work in the interim. This is going to start on 8th August 2022. 

You may need this email later to show that you are authorised to work in Canada temporarily for employers. So, attach this to your post-graduation work permit while applying for jobs. 

This policy of working in the interim will be effective until 31st May 2023. If you are eligible for this new policy, you can continue working or return to the workforce while your work permit application is in process. 

Remember:

The new policy provides you with an opportunity to work for an additional 18 months. But, it doesn’t restore the temporary resident status. That means you should apply for the status restoration when you apply for the new work permit if your status has expired. 

You still have the chance to come to Canada again and acquire authorisation to work even if you are currently outside Canada and have a valid temporary resident visa. 

How will the policy benefit temporary residents who applied for Permanent Resident pathways?

Here are the eligibility criteria for temporary residents to apply for an open work permit:

  • Applicants who have applied for ‘temporary resident to permanent pathways’
  • Applicants with non-finalized permanent residence application 

About 2500 applicants applied and got an open work permit with an expiration date of 31st December 2022. They will receive an email from the IRCC with the procedure for updating the work permit with longer validity date. They don’t have to do anything if they have an updated mailing address and they still live in Canada. 

You will not get the email if your passports expire before 31st December 2024. You can still apply for the work permit on the same day you apply for passport restoration of the expiry date. 

Onkar Immigration is here to solve your queries regarding the new PGWP policy. Our team equips you with the knowlede and resources required to make the most of this new policy.

 


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