IRCC made numerous declarations regarding Canada’s international student program. Among them, the department has confirmed that it won’t be offering any additional extensions to PGWP holders. Moreover, IRCC has offered PGWP work permit extensions over recent years & there are numerous alternatives if PGWP is expiring. 

The measure came after the labor market disruptions caused the pandemic & post-pandemic recovery. It enabled PGWP holders to continue working in Canada while IRCC was experiencing processing delays & had paused Express Entry draws. 

This measure was extended three times, with the last one taking place on April 6 for PGWP holders whose permit is set to expire on or before December 31, 2023. The extension is an open work permit, which is valid for 18 months. 

IRCC notes that PGWP holders whose permit expires on or before December 31 are still eligible for the extension. PGWPs enable international students to stay in Canada & work once they have graduated from their academic program. 

The permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the applicant’s academic program & outside the special extensions, and is not renewable. 

Last year, 98,000 PGWP holders became permanent residents. This was almost 82% of all temporary residents who became permanent residents that year. 

In addition, IRCC estimated that there would be 268,000 PGWP holders in Canada this year & over 127,000 permits would expire. 

How Does This Impact The Express Entry Applicants? 

Express Entry is one of the most popular alternatives for Post Graduation Work Permit holders who wish to obtain permanent resident status in Canada. Many of them might have concerns regarding the end of extensions as their PGWP expiry approaches. 

Applicants who haven’t yet obtained ITAs & have an expiring PGWP must soon lose their eligibility to work in Canada. The recent unexplained pause in Express Entry draws, which lasted till December 6, is causing additional pressure for some PGWP holders in the Express Entry pool because, without an ITA, they cannot apply for the PR status or maintained status while IRCC processes their application. 

In addition, IRCC held three draws between December 6 & December 8. However, two of those draws were category-based selection draws for applicants with French-language proficiency & those with relevant work experience in STEM professions. The all-program draw on December 6 invited over 4,750 applicants with a CRS score of 561, which is higher than any recent all-program draw. 

What Are The Alternatives If PGWP Is Expiring? 

Express Entry applicants have a few alternatives if PGWP is expiring to stay in Canada while waiting for a final decision on their application from IRCC. However, they might still require that applicants must stop working while they wait to obtain an ITA & while they wait for IRCC to process their application. 

  • Visitor Record 

You might stay in Canada if you apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before the expiration of PGWP. Moreover, IRCC says a visitor record is valid for six months, but this might vary from case to case. 

  • Apply For Another Work Permit   

Applicants can also apply for another work permit while waiting for an Express Entry draw. Although it takes time & is an additional cost, those who wish to continue working can explore alternatives for a different type of Open Work Permit. 

Applicants can also consider asking their employer to obtain an LMIA so they can obtain a closed work permit. This implies that the permit holder will be eligible to continue working in the nation, although they might not work for another employer. 

  • If You Have Already Submitted A PR Application 

In case you have already submitted your application for PR but haven’t received a final decision from IRCC, you might be eligible to apply for a BOWP, i.e., Bridging Open Work Permit. 

BOWPs enable a PR applicant to continue working in Canada while they wait for IRCC’s final decision. It applies to individuals who have applied through economic immigration programs like Express Entry, PNP, Quebec Skilled Workers, Agri-Food Pilot Program, etc.