International students who have graduated from their academic program in Canada can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows them to work in the country.

The permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the candidate’s academic program length, and cannot be renewed except for particular extensions.

Recently, the Canadian government extended the PGWP program to assist international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension was an open work permit valid for 18 months and granted thrice, the most recent on April 6. The extension was available to PGWP holders whose permits would expire on or before December 31, 2023.

In 2022, 98,000 PGWP holders became permanent residents. Almost 82% of all temporary residents became permanent residents that year. Additionally, when the 2022 data was released, IRCC estimated that in 2023 there would be 268,000 PGWP holders in Canada and that 127,000 permits would expire.

It is important to note that PGWP holders whose permits expired on or before December 31 were still eligible for the extension.