Is your work permit expiring? You can now apply for Canada Open Work Permit

Highlights: International Graduates with an expiring permit in Canada can now apply for Open Work Permit for additional 18 months

• Individuals can work for any Canadian employer in any occupation for additional 18 months.
• New application windows are open until 31^st December, 2023.
• Individuals can also opt for a ‘simplified process’ for work permit extension before May 20, 2023.
• For a simplified route, individuals must register and link their most recent Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application to their Secure Account before 20th May, 2023.
• New Open Work Permit holders will have more time to transition to Canada permanent residence.

*Want to work in Canada? Check your eligibility through Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator.

Extending Open Work Permit for Current & Former PGWP holders

As per the recent announcement by the Immigration Minister of Canada, Hon. Sean Fraser, Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will enable qualifying current and former PGWP to apply to renew Open Work Permit for up to 18 months.

This special policy measure is applicable with effect from 6th April 2023. Now individuals with an expiring PGWP don’t need to look for other options for staying in Canada. Now, international graduates will get more time to gain relevant Canadian work experience to aid their transition to Canada PR.

The special public policy update will also help Canadian employers across different sectors address their critical labour market shortages by retaining more and more international graduates with suitable skill sets and talent.

Extending Work Permit Via Simplified Process

According to the updates, individuals can also qualify to extend their work permits through a simplified process by 20^th May, 2023 before their work permit expires.

To qualify for the simplified process, applicants must:

• Be living in Canada
• Log into IRCC secure account and opt for additional 18 months
• Update Email Address, Passport information

About Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Canada’s PGWPs are open work permits issued to international students who graduate from a Canadian DLI, i.e., a Designated Learning Institution. As a PGWP holder, individuals can work anywhere in Canada, for any employer, and in any field.

PGWPs have a validity period of 8 months to 3 years and are a great option to gain relevant Canadian work experience. With valuable experience working in Canada, individuals may qualify to apply for a Canada PR visa via Express Entry and a few PNP pathways.

Are you looking to migrate to Canada? Check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator instantly for free.

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