Former international students can continue living, working and contributing in Canada
On January 08, 2021, it was announced that international students that are currently living in Canada on a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or ever had one, can now continue contributing by applying for an open work permit.
The application will be open from January 27, 2021 to July 27, 2021.
If the PGWP is expiring or expired, foreign national can apply for the open work permit which will stay valid for 18 months. This is quite an effort made by the Government of Canada as PGWP is one-time open work permit you can ever get in Canada without a job offer after studies. It is extending the student’s spectrum to score extra points for Canadian experience that is significantly important for Express Entry, and Provincial Nominee Program.
To apply for an open work permit under this circumstance, applicant must be
- present in Canada.
- holding a valid temporary status, or be applying for restoration.
- holding a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020, or a PGWP that is going to expire in 4 months or less from the date the application was made for the open work permit.