Former international students in Canada with an expiring Post-Graduation Work Permit can now apply for a new open work permit, recognition to a new government regulation that goes into effect on January 27.

A new regulation that demands former international students to receive a new one-time work visa, if they are about to expire, will take effect from January 2021.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are now receiving applications from previous international students who prefer to obtain a new Open Work Permit if their Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) has expired or is about to expire.
The brand-new open work permit will be valid for up to 18 months.

It will make it easier for former international students to stay in Canada and continue to look for employment. Unlike employer-specific work permits, where a foreign worker is bound by a single employer in Canada, open work permits allow foreign nationals to work for any employer they prefer.

To apply for an open work permit under the new policy, international students must meet the following requirements:

•    Have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020 or a PGWP that expires within 4 months or less from the date of     application; 
•    be in Canada; 
•    have a valid temporary status or request to restore your status; 
•    have a valid passport.

The online application period is open until 27 July 2021.