On December 7, (IRCC) made several announcements for international students in Canada.
Among them, the department has confirmed that it will not be offering any additional extensions to PGWP holders.
Although in the past few years post Pandemic extensions with the last one that occurring on April 06 for those who’s PGWP expires prior to December 31, 2023.
In 2022, over 98000 PGWP holders became permanent resident. This was almost 82% of all temporary residents who became permanent residents that year.
Additionally, when the 2022 data was released, IRCC estimated that in 2023 there would be 268,000 PGWP holders in Canada and that 127,000 permits would expire.
What to do if you’re PGWP is expiring
Express Entry candidates in this situation have a few options to stay in Canada while waiting for a final decision on their application from IRCC. However, they may still require that a candidate stop working while they wait to receive an ITA and while they wait for IRCC to process their application.
Visitor Record
You may stay in Canada if you apply for visitor record at least 30 days before your PGWP expires. IRCC says a visitor record is typically valid for six months, but this may vary from case to case.
Apply for another work permit
Candidates can also consider asking their employer to obtain a (LMIA) so they can get a closed work permit. This means the permit holder will be eligible to continue working in Canada, although they may not work for another employer.
Bridging work permit
If you have already submitted your application for permanent residence but have not received a final decision from IRCC, you may be eligible to apply for this permit to continue working in Canada until the final decision is made on your file.
