Is it possible to extend Your Post-Graduation work Permit? Yes, you can extend or renew your PGWP, if you want to work in Canada on a regular basis.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit that international students in Canada can get after completing an eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI). This permit lets them work for almost any employer in Canada, and the work experience gained can support their future application for permanent residence (PR).
Post – Graduation work permit validation
The duration of a PGWP depends on the length of the completed academic program. The program must be at least eight months long to qualify for a PGWP. Here’s how the validity is determined
1. For programs lasting eight months to two years, the PGWP is issued for the same duration as the program. For example, if a student finishes a twelve-month program, the PGWP will be valid for twelve months.
2. For programs of two years or more, the PGWP is valid for a maximum of three years.
3. If a student completes more than one eligible program at a DLI, they might extend their PGWP by combining the lengths of each program. Each program, however, must be over eight months. As the PGWP’s validity approaches its end, many international students, especially those with less than one year of work experience in Canada, are uncertain about their next steps. This is particularly relevant for those seeking additional work experience to meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residence.
Post-Graduation work permit Extend
People who can extend their PGWP fall into two categories:
1. PGWP Holders with an Expiring Passport: If your passport is expiring, you’re eligible for a Canada work Permit Visa and PGWP. . Even if you didn’t get the full-length permit due to your passport’s impending expiry, you can apply for a PGWP extension. You have to make sure to explain this situation in a letter when you submit your extension application.
2. Temporary PGWP Extension Policy: Starting from April 6 of this year, a temporary policy by IRCC allows PGWP holders whose work permit is expiring in 2023 or expires between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, to extend their permit for up to 18 months. This applies to eligible PGWP holders, including those with valid temporary resident status. They can apply for an open work permit from within Canada. If you’re applying from outside Canada, you need to apply for a regular work permit and inform IRCC that you’re applying under this temporary policy.
If you can’t extend or renew your PGWP, there are other options provided by IRCC to help you stay in Canada. Here are two of them:
Other Options for Post -Graduation Work permit
1. Visitor Visa: A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows you to enter Canada as a visitor for up to six months. Canada tourist Visa can be issued as either single-entry or multi-entry.
2. Visitor Record: If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you can apply for a Visitor Record. It’s important to apply for this record at least 30 days before your current status in Canada expires, such as the end date of your PGWP.
3. Bridging Open Work Permit: A BOWP is a way to stay in Canada while waiting for a decision on your permanent residency (PR) application from IRCC. To be eligible for a BOWP, PGWP holders must have already applied to become a permanent resident of Canada.
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