The government of Canada recently announced that it plans to expand and extend the temporary changes made to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These temporary changes were made to help PGWP holders and potential applicants at the time of the pandemic.
The PGWP is for international students who have recently graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The PGWP is an open work permit that will allow international graduates to work anywhere in Canada for any employer. Gaining Canadian work experience ultimately helps international graduates to be eligible for certain immigration pathways including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
To be eligible for a PGWP, applicants must apply within 180 days of receiving their degree, diploma, transcript, or certificate. International students with expired study permits must leave Canada within 90 days if they aren’t interested in applying for a PGWP. A PGWP is issued for 3 years and can not be renewed.