Excellent News for International Students seeking PGWP & Canadian firms!
In extension to its world-class education mode and high gauge of living, Canada grants added vital advantage to international undergraduates: entrée to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation.
The PGWP is an open work permit that can be utilized to obtain Canadian work experience which is considered an invaluable asset in getting permanent resident (PR) status in Canada.
Gaining work experience in Canada is usually a critical factor in successfully promoting diverse immigration programs, including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Express Entry in Canada
Express Entry is initial immigration pathway to Canadian PR, and it acts on a points-based system that considers human capital factors.
Work experience in Canada gives those who practice this route valuable additional points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), tendering them more competitive than other potential candidates in the pool.
Those with a degree and Canadian work experience will also have a more favourable possibility of success when applying under the PNPs. Same is the case for studying in Quebec, under the Quebec Experience Program (or PEQ).
Beyond its interest to international students, Canadian employers also serve significantly from PGWPs. Typically, to hire a foreign national, Canadian employers must go by a lengthy and costly process known as a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is an application they must tender to confirm that they have attempted to hire a Canadian but have been incapable of doing so.
However, that scheme is not needed for individuals with an open work permit, such as PGWP holders. Therefore, open Work Permit holders often render Canadian employers the opportunity to keep much-needed foreign talent without the burdens and barriers associated with this process.
While the initial method of hiring someone on a PGWP may not need much legwork on the employer’s part, the same cannot be said if the employer would like the foreign national to stay working beyond the date of the PGWP’s expiry. Work permits have a limited term, and this is where the difficulty with the PGWP often lies.
In the large majority of cases, a PGWP cannot be stretched, and an LMIA application must be tendered and approved before the worker can apply for a new, employer-specific, work permit.
This, however, is about to change. On January 8, 2021, the Canadian government launched a new policy to enable previous international students with an expired or expiring PGWP to appeal for a latest open work permit.
Who Can Apply for PGWP extension?
Specifically, the latest policy will enable individuals who satisfy the following provisions to apply for an 18-month open work permit:
- have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020;
- have a PGWP that expires in 4 months or less from the date of application;
- be in Canada;
- have a valid temporary status or be applying to restore your status.
The application process is set to initiate on January 27 2021, and will run till July 27, 2021.
This policy change will facilitate many Canadian employers who employ foreign citizens on a PGWP to proceed to do so without going into the lengthy and costly process typically needed in the past.
Many Canadian employers profiting from foreign talent will not need to compromise their labor force’s quality due to Canadian immigration restrictions. Keeping on the workers they need, regardless of nationality or immigration status, will establish invaluable for several Canadian companies and the Canadian economy.
Get Started with Jet Immigration
Jet Immigration is ranked among the best immigration consultancies in Greater Toronto Area and have been trusted by thousands of happy clients.
The team specializes in most difficult and complex case. If you are ready to apply for the PGWP, we are just a click away. Contact us for free consultation or email us at visa@jetimmigration.ca.
