IRCC has declared that they are extending the transition period for distance learning measures, which were implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Students who completed less than 50% of their PGWP-eligible studies outside the nation will be eligible for PGWP, i.e., post-graduation work permit until December 31, 2023. 

Before the pandemic, all international students were required to complete no more than 50% of their studies online, & the time spent studying online outside of Canada was not counted toward PGWP eligibility. 

Due to the inability to travel throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC removed the online study restriction for students who: 

  • Were enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs in March 2020. 
  • Began PGWP-eligible programs between March 2020 & August 31, 2022.  

This implies that anyone who started their studies overseas before August 31, 2022, can utilize 100% of that time towards their PGWP eligibility. Moreover, for students who began their studies between September 1, 2022 & December 31, 2023, only 50% of the time can be counted. 

The distance learning measures & the present extension does not apply to students studying abroad after September 1, 2023, irrespective of when they began their studies. In addition, it also does not apply to students who enrolled in programs after August 31, 2022. 

What Is PGWP? 

A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit for foreign nationals who wish to remain in Canada to reside & work after they complete their study program. 

Since it’s an open work permit, PGWP holders are able to work for any employer in Canada. Moreover, the length of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program & they can last as long as three years. 

IRCC updates regarding distance learning measures note that if an applicant spent time studying at a DLI while being outside of Canada, that time begins to count towards the length of the post-graduation work permit only after the department receives the study permit application. 

In order to be eligible, applicants must have: 

  • Completed studies in vocational, academic, or professional training programs at a DLI that lasted at least eight months. 
  • Obtained a transcript & an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that the candidate has met the requirements to complete their program of study, which will be included in the PGWP application. 

Those who stay in Canada on a PGWP after their studies can use any relevant work experience to gain permanent inhabitant status. Well that’s because many federal & provincial immigration programs value applicants with Canadian education & work experience.