Canada has a highly popular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that is based on work permits and allows provinces to nominate individuals based on their skills. The Canada Experience Class (CEC) is a subclass of the PNP, wherein candidates with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can apply for permanent residence status. The PNP is popular among international students and skilled workers and has seen considerable growth in recent years.
A key component in the CEC and PNP is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is a work permit that expires. And recently, there is a lot of media coverage on the Canada Post-Graduate Work Permit Program that is yet to be renewed. So, what is it all about and most importantly, why isn’t it getting renewed?
What Is Open PGWP?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows international students who have graduated from a designated Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable work experience in the country. To be eligible for a PGWP, students must have studied full-time in Canada for at least eight months and must have graduated from a designated institution.
Once students have graduated, they have a limited period to apply for their PGWP. If they are approved, they will be issued a work permit that is valid for the same length of time as their study program up to a maximum of three years.
PGWP holders can work in any occupation and do not require a job offer to apply. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to gain Canadian work experience after graduation.
How to Apply for PGWP?
The process for applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is relatively simple. First, you need to obtain a letter of completion from your school, which verifies that you have met all the requirements for your program. Once you have this letter, you can then apply online for your PGWP.
The online application will require you to provide some basic information about yourself as well as upload your letter of completion. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within a few weeks. If your application is approved, you will receive your PGWP, which will allow you to work in Canada for up to three years after you graduate.
What Happens When Your PGWP Expires?
When your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires, you must stop working in Canada. If you want to stay in Canada and continue working, you need to apply for a new work permit. You can apply for a new work permit if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Reasons for Delay In implementing New PGWP Policy
The Canadian government is currently working on a policy change that would allow individuals with expired PGWPs to continue working until their certificate is renewed. This would provide the much-needed relief for many people who rely on their work permits to support themselves and their families.
The government is still working out the details of this policy change, but it is expected to be implemented shortly. If this change is implemented soon, it would give students more time to find a job and would allow them to continue working while their renewal application is being processed. However, the delay in implementing this new policy has created a fuss among many.
Technical glitch is another reason being conveyed by the immigration minister. However, the solution for the expired PGWP was difficult to implement. He said that the department is currently working on the solution and it would be made available soon. He also said that the department is also working on other options for those who have already lost their jobs.
The delay in the processing of permanent residency applications are leading to outrage among people who have lost their jobs and whose Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) have expired. These individuals are now working with an expired PGWP, which is against the rules.
The situation is causing immense stress and anxiety, as they are unsure of their status in the country. Some have even resorted to illegal means to stay in Canada. The delays are having a serious impact on these individuals and their families, and the government needs to take action to fix the problem.
Canada is yet to introduce an open work permit for expired PGWP holders. As the Global Talent Stream program and the Start-up Visa Program are also currently closed for new applications, this means that many PGWP holders will have to leave the country if they cannot find a job. This is because the PGWP and SVP require applicants to have a job offer from an employer in Canada before applying. We hope the information helped you understand why a work permit for PGWP holders has not yet been introduced and how this affects those who are currently in Canada under the PGWP. However, the government has ensured that the open work permit Canada issue will be resolved soon and will be a long-term solution for all the PGWP holders.
