International students who completed less than 50 percent of their Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible studies outside of Canada will now remain eligible for a PGWP until the end of 2023.
International students who completed less than 50 percent of their Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible studies outside of Canada will now remain eligible for a PGWP until the end of 2023.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has announced the extension of distance learning measures initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These measures will now remain in effect until December 31, the CIC News reported.
Under the revised guidelines, international students who completed less than 50 percent of their Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible studies outside of Canada will remain eligible for a PGWP until the end of 2023.
Prior to the pandemic, students were required to complete no more than half of their studies online, with online study time conducted outside of Canada not counting towards PGWP eligibility.
Due to travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic, IRCC temporarily lifted the online study restrictions for specific categories of students.
These categories include those who were enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs in progress in March 2020 and those who began PGWP-eligible programs between March 2020 and August 31, 2022.
The policy change allows students who started their studies overseas before August 31, 2022, to count 100 percent of that time toward their PGWP eligibility.
However, for students who commenced their studies between September 1, 2022, and December 31, only 50 percent of the time can be considered.
It is crucial to note that this extension will not apply to students studying abroad after September 1, regardless of their enrollment date. Additionally, students who enrolled in programs after August 31, 2022, are not eligible for these measures.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit designed for international students who wish to continue living and working in Canada after completing their studies.
PGWP holders have the flexibility to work for nearly any employer in Canada, and the duration of the permit depends on the length of their program of study, with permits lasting up to three years.
IRCC’s update emphasized that if a student spent time studying at a designated learning institution while outside of Canada, this time will only count toward the length of the PGWP after the department receives the study permit application.
To be eligible for the PGWP, students must have completed studies in an academic, vocational, or professional training program at a DLI that was at least eight months in duration. They must also provide a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the program’s requirements, which will be included in the PGWP application.
International students who choose to stay in Canada on a PGWP after completing their studies can use the work experience gained during this period to enhance their eligibility for permanent resident status.
