Key Takeaways:
- Canada introduced a new work open permit for international students and essential workers
- Qualified international graduates and essential workers may apply for the new work permit starting July 26
- The new work open permit benefits individuals who worry about their temporary status nearing its expiration while waiting for the results of their application for the new programs
Canada has put a new open work permit in place for temporary residents, international student graduates, and essential workers while they are waiting for the results of their application for the new pathway to permanent residence.
This newly introduced work permit for international student graduates and essential workers in Canada will take effect starting July 26 and will be valid until December 31, 2022.
While there are other existing options for international student graduates such as the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), as per the government’s temporary measure launched in January, it will be closing on July 27.
Such an updated announcement is deemed to benefit individuals who worry about their temporary status nearing its expiration while waiting for the results of their application for the new programs. Because of this, they can now apply for this new work permit whether the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approves or denies their application.
Without the open work permit, applicants are left with the possibility of having to leave Canada amid their impending application program that is supposed to back them for a longer stay or even a permanent status in Canada.
It can be recalled that before the introduction of this new open work permit, the technicalities in Canadian policy leave immigration applicants unable to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while Express Entry applicants holding documents with impending expiry can.
New temporary residence to permanent residence (TR to PR) pathways are not permanent programs, unlike the Express Entry (EE).
In a news release, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said that this new open work permit will guarantee that “those who have been playing critical roles throughout the pandemic can continue their extraordinary service.”
Qualified international students for the one-time open work permit should submit their application online. Further details will be posted on the IRCC website on July 26.
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