Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the distance learning measures that were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students who completed less than half of their Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible studies outside of Canada can now apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) until December 31, 2023.
Before the pandemic, international students were required to complete no more than 50% of their studies online, and time spent studying online outside of Canada didn’t count towards PGWP eligibility.
Due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, IRCC had removed the restriction on online study for students who:
- Were enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs in progress in March 2020.
- Started PGWP-eligible programs between March 2020 and August 31, 2022.
This meant that students who began their studies overseas before August 31, 2022, could count 100% of that time towards their PGWP eligibility. For those who started their studies between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, only 50% of the time can be counted.
However, this extension doesn’t apply to students studying abroad after September 1, 2023, regardless of when they started their studies. It also doesn’t apply to students who enrolled in programs after August 31, 2022.
What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
A PGWP is an open work permit for international students who want to live and work in Canada after completing their studies. PGWP holders can work for almost any employer in Canada, and the permit’s duration depends on the length of the study program, lasting up to three years.
IRCC’s update clarifies that if a student studied at a designated learning institution (DLI) while outside Canada, that time only counts towards the PGWP duration after the study permit application is approved.
To be eligible for a PGWP, students must have:
- Completed studies in an academic, vocational, or professional training program at a DLI that was at least eight months long.
- Received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming program completion, which is required for the Post-Graduation Work Permit application.
Students who stay in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit can use their work experience to apply for permanent resident status through various federal and provincial immigration programs, as Canadian education and work experience are highly valued in these programs.
