Post-Graduation Work Permit is a valuable work permit for international students, allowing them to gain work experience, which is necessary in many instances. Typically, Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension is unavailable for most holders. This means that most PGWP holders remain ineligible to apply for permit extensions. 

This article will help both PGWP holders who are eligible for a permit extension and those who are not. Grab the vital details about the PGWP extension, process, and alternatives. 

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A PGWP or Post-Graduation Work Permit is a kind of work permit that is available for international students. 

International students who finished an eligible study program in a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) qualify for a PGWP.

A PGWP holder is allowed to work under nearly any Canadian employer per their preference. Also, they can use the experience gained through this permit to apply for permanent residence (PR) if they desire to live in Canada.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Validity

PGWP validity time is one of the most crucial and notable aspects. Its validity is determined by the length of the applicant’s academic program. To be more specific, a completed study program must be at least eight months long to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. 

Canada’s immigration department, IRCC, offers the below-mentioned guidelines regarding the PGWP validity:

  • Eligible PGP applicants who completed an academic program ranging from eight months to two years will obtain a permit of validity of the same duration as their program. For instance, an international student who finishes a one-year study program will obtain a permit valid for a year. 
  • For an academic program ranging from two years or more, the PGWP will be valid for three years. Note: Any PGWP’s maximum validity period is three years.
  • International students who finish a number of eligible academic programs at Canadian DLI might be allowed to combine the duration of each program to extend the validity of their specific PGWP. Each study program must be of duration of more than eight months. 

Most international students look for guidance on their next step when their PGWP validity approaches its end. These are mainly PGWP holders whose permit validity is less than a year and who often intend to gain more experience to become eligible for permanent residence.

Who is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension?

Currently, there are two categories of permit holders who are eligible for a PGWP extension. The following sections define the two categories in detail to help you determine whether you are eligible for a PGWP extension. 

PGWP Holders Who Have an Expiring Passport

PGWP holders who satisfy the eligibility requirements of the permit but were unable to acquire the full-length permit since their passport was about to expire are eligible for a PGWP extension.

In such cases, PGWP holders can apply for a PGWP extension. They must include a letter explaining the reason for the permit extension in their application. 

Temporary PGWP Extension Policy

IRCC has implemented a temporary PGWP extension policy, which is effective from April 6, 2023. 

As per this, PGWP holders whose permit has expired or are about to expire this year, as well as those whose work permit expired between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, are eligible for this PGWP extension. This extends the work permit for 18 months.

This policy allows eligible PGWP holders and former PGWP holders, including individuals with valid temporary resident status, to apply for an open work permit from within Canada.

According to IRCC, the extension applicants who are outside of Canada may apply for a regular work permit at present. Also, they must reveal to IRCC that they are applying through this temporary policy.

Notably, IRCC further stated that the PGWP extension will be valid for no more than 18 months or until the date the applicant’s passport expires, whichever arrives first.

Alternatives for individuals who are ineligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension

This section is valuable for individuals who cannot extend or renew their PGWP. There are several options for PGWP holders who are ineligible for permit extension but wish to stay longer in Canada. The following are some valuable alternatives:

Visitor Visa or TRV

Canada offers a Visitor Visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)) to individuals who intend to enter Canada for a shorter duration. The permit holders can enter Canada as a visitor for six months using a visitor visa. Typically, a visitor visa may offer single or multi-entry to visitors.

Visitor Record

Eligible individuals who want to prolong their stay in Canada as visitors may apply for a visitor record.

It should be noted that visitor record applicants must submit the applications at least 30 days before the expiration of their existing status in Canada. Thus, a PGWP holder can apply for a visitor record prior to the expiration date of the permit.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

Foreign nationals can obtain a Bridging Open Work Permit or BOWP to stay in Canada while they wait for the IRCC’s decision on their PR application. 

This means in cases where PGWP holders have applied for Canadian permanent residence, they may be eligible for a BOWP to extend their stay in Canada. 

If you intend to apply for BOWP, be sure to learn about the permit and its eligibility criteria to proceed further.

Alternative Work Permit Options for PGWP Holders

PGWP holders who do not qualify for the permit extension may consider other work permit options. This will help them match their eligibility criteria for any permits.

Canada offers a variety of work permit options for foreign nationals, enabling them to enter and stay in Canada for a specific period.

Notably, some of the work permits are exempt from needing an LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment. 

So, this was all about Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension and how eligible PGWP holders can apply for permit extensions and alternative options for ineligible PGWP holders to extend their stay in Canada.