Government of Canada announces new policy to help former international students live in, work in and continue contributing to Canada
Message from “The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship” to international students and graduates is:
“We don’t just want you to study here; we want you to stay here.”
Former international students in Canada affected by the pandemic with an expired or expiring PGWP will have a unique chance to apply for another open work permit. These will be valid for 18 months and allow former international students to remain in Canada, continue to seek employment and build their future in this country.
To apply for an open work permit under the public policy, an applicant must
- Have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020, or a PGWP that expires in 4 months or less from the date they apply
- Still be in Canada
- Have a valid temporary status, or be applying to restore their status
Applications will be open from January 27 to July 27, 2021
Details on how to apply will be addded to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website on January 27, 2021