Update on the PGWP special measures policy

Under normal circumstances, PGWP’s cannot be extended once expired.

Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders have been “patiently” waiting for IRCC to finalize the special measures announced in April 2022 for the new Open Work Permit (OWP) for PGWP holders.

The PGWP special measures policy came into effect and students who completed their studies in Canada and who is currently working on PGWP with expiry dates between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2022 are eligible to extend their work permits and stay in Canada for an additional 18 months.

Applicants may not apply for this work permit at a point of entry, only online applications may be submitted for this public policy. The last day for submissions is December 31, 2022.

This policy allows those who are already in Canada to continue working while they wait for their permit to be extended or a new one being issued. This interim work period will be in effect until May 31, 2023.

Applicants are eligible to apply from abroad if they have left Canada and return after they have been approved.

Applicants who are eligible for the OWP will receive an email notice from IRCC that will indicate that they are allowed to Canada in the interim. Applicants are advised to attach it to their PGWP to show their employer that they are authorized to work in Canada.

This email only allows the applicant to work, it does not restore legal temporary resident status if expired. If you are out of status, you must apply to restore your status at the same time that you apply for a new work permit. You may apply for restoration even if it has been more than 90 days since your status has expired.

IRCC posted different scenarios which indicates if any action is needed from applicants:

1. Your PGWP expires from October 2, 2022, to December 31, 2022, your address is up to date and your passport is valid through April 2024

You don’t need to do anything. When you receive an e-mail message from IRCC to confirm your mailing address, don’t respond. An updated work permit will be issued and will be sent to your mailing address by mid-October.

2. Your PGWP expires from October 2, 2022, to December 31, 2022, but you need to update your address and/or passport validity.

IRCC will send you an e-mail message to confirm your mailing address. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to let IRCC know that your mailing address needs to be updated.

If your passport validity doesn’t allow IRCC to extend your work permit by 18 months, you will not receive this initial e-mail, but you will receive a separate e-mail in September.

If you need to update your mailing address or your passport information, you will receive instructions by e-mail in September on how to update your mailing address and passport validity in your online account. You will get a two-week window to do so. If you update this information, you will receive an updated work permit in the mail by mid-November.

To ensure you will be able to benefit, check your passport validity and apply to extend it if it expires before April 2, 2024.

3. Your PGWP expires from October 2, 2022, to December 31, 2022, but you won’t be able to update your address or passport validity.

You will need to apply online to extend your work permit. You could receive a work permit extended to your passport expiration date, or you could wait to apply until you have renewed your passport.

4. Your PGWP expires from October 2, 2022, to December 31, 2022, but IRCC didn’t contact you at all.

If you do not receive a message from IRCC by mid-September, you are not eligible to have your work permit extended through this special process for another reason, such as information has been added to your file about your admissibility to Canada that will need further review. You may still apply online to extend your work permit.

5. Your PGWP expired or will expire from September 20, 2021, to October 1, 2022.

IRCC says you will need to apply online for a work permit. Applications open on August 2, 2022. If you are in Canada and your temporary status has also expired, you must apply to restore your status at the same time. Under these special measures, you are allowed to restore your status, even if it expired more than 90 days ago. Don’t forget the $200 CAD restoration fee!

If you unsure about your options, please book a consultation with our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant, Marcia Freese, who can assist you with your queries or your application.