2022 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Extension Details Announced

In this article, you’ll learn about:

• The extension to PGWPs that came into effect on August 2nd, 2022;
• How it affects your work permit;
• How to apply for the PGWP extension;
• Restoration of status as a worker;
• What a PGWP is.

Extension to Post-Graduation Work Permits

On August 2nd, 2022, Canada announced that those whose Post-Graduation Work Permits expired or will expire from September 20, 2021, to December 31, 2022, will have the opportunity to extend or re-apply for another 18 months of work permit validity.

This extension was implemented to address Canada’s labour shortages coming out of the pandemic, as well as the lack of opportunities those with PGWPs had over the pandemic.

How Does the Announcement Impact Your PGWP?

Starting on August 8, 2022, those whose PGWPs expired between September 20, 2021, to December 31, 2022 will be issued an email from IRCC confirming their authorization to work while they wait for their PGWP extension. An email will be sent that applicants can attach to their PGWPs to show employers they are eligible to work in Canada, and this interim work period will be in effect until May 31, 2023.

On canada.ca, they also detail how this new announcement will affect applicants in different categories:

• The first major category is for those whose PGWPs expire from October 2, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Within this group, there are 4 different applicant types, with some receiving their new work permit automatically and some who are required to submit an application:

New work permit will be issued automatically!

1. 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 email from IRCC to confirm your mailing address, don’t respond. An updated work permit will be sent to your mailing address by mid-October.
2. You need to update your address and/or passport validity.
• When you receive an email from IRCC to confirm your mailing address, follow the instructions in the email to let us know that your mailing address needs to be updated. If your passport validity doesn’t allow us to extend your work permit by 18 months, you will not receive this initial email, but you will receive a separate email in September. If you need to update your mailing address or your passport information, you will receive instructions by email in September on how to update your mailing address and passport validity in your online account. You will get a 2-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. If you applied for your post-graduation work permit using a paper application, make sure you have linked your application to your online account.

Apply online for your new work permit!

1. 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.
2. IRCC didn’t contact you.
• If you do not receive an email 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.

Restore Your Status as a Worker

Finally, there’s an explanation of what to do if your PGWP expires from September 20, 2021 to October 1, 2022:

• 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.
• Restoration of status costs an additional $200 restoration fee as well as the $155 work permit application fee and $100 open work permit holder’s fee
• You are also eligible to apply from outside Canada if you have left Canada and return after you have been approved.

How to Apply for your PGWP Extension

• All 2022 PGWP extension applications must be submitted online
• Applications may be submitted from August 2, 2022 going forward
• Applications will be accepted up to and including December 31, 2022
• Applications cannot be made at any Port of Entry (airport, land border, seaport)

This work permit may only be issued one single time and cannot be extended or renewed.

What is a PGWP?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit allows those who have graduated from participating Canadian post-secondary institutions to work in Canada after the completion of their studies. A PGWP may be issued based on the length of the study program for a minimum of 8 months up to a maximum of 3 years.

It is also a great opportunity to gain work experience which is eligible for a PR application, as Statistics Canada reports that three-quarters of all PGWP holders became permanent residents within five years of having obtained their PGWP.

With this rare opportunity, given that PGWPs are usually only issued once, make sure to take advantage if you’re eligible. Contact us if you need assistance with your PGWP extension.