Beginning January 27, 2021, and running until July 27, 2021, international students holding an expired or expiring post-graduation work permit (PGWP) can apply for another open work permit offered by the federal government. The new work permits will be valid for 18 months and offer flexibility to former international students whose post-graduation plans were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This change was made as a pandemic recovery measure to assist in mitigating the decline of international students remaining in Canada. The new work permit program will also facilitate graduates in gaining the needed work experience to later apply for permanent residency.

To be eligible for the new work permit, an applicant must:

• Have a PGWP that expired on or after 30 January 2020, or a PGWP that expires in 4 months or less from the date they apply;
• Still be in Canada; and,
• Have a valid temporary resident status or be applying to restore their status.

Application forms and details on how to apply will be added on January 27, 2021 to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s webpage concerning COVID-19 and international students.