The government of Canada is continuously making a smart move in making up for the economic losses, particularly in the international education sector. They have proved their support by welcoming foreign students despite the health crisis. When other countries are keeping their borders closed, Canada has cautiously placed a considerable restriction without sacrificing the country’s financial state and labour productivity levels. With the new policy announced, you’ll love it even more being in Canada.
Just recently, Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship revealed that previous international students who have graduated and claimed their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) with an expired or nearly expiring status are eligible to apply for an open work permit.
Industries big or small have been left incapacitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, international students undertaking the PGWP to PR pathway experienced critical conditions, especially that the job market became unstable and that the people are still currently on their way to reviving the local and national economy.
With this, the government had promised their continuous exploration for fast and viable options to allow foreign nationals to stay and choose Canada as their new country of residence. It’s obvious enough that the new policy implies the start of the government’s move in attracting skilled immigrants.
This privilege, however, has conditions. For you to be eligible to apply for the open work permit, you must meet the following criteria:
Your PGWP have expired last January 30, 2020, or the succeeding months after that.
Your PGWP is nearing the expiration date, approximately in 4 months or less.
You are currently staying in Canada.
Your temporary visa is still valid or that you are willing to have it renewed or restored.
Submission of applications is done from January 27 to July 27, 2021.
The detailed instructions regarding the application are still in the works and are expected to come out by January 27, 2021. You may keep yourself updated by checking this website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/visitors-foreign-workers-students.html. Meanwhile, you can read the actual news about this policy here.
The length of stay granted for the open work permit is up to 18 months. Within this period, applicants are expected to resume finding jobs and boost their experience by working in industries related to their field. Canada has acknowledged the continuing labor shortage despite the effects of the pandemic to various businesses, such as untimely closures and bankruptcy.
The government is determined to undergo a swift recovery, with big hopes and confidence from the products of its high-quality institutions. Considering the country’s industry-driven education system, Canada places its bet on skillful graduates. Molded and trained by their very own colleges and universities, they are assured that businesses and communities will continue to thrive.
This new policy makes Canada, all the more, an extremely attractive choice for most international students nowadays. Even with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the country has dealt with multiple issues using straightforward responses and goal-oriented strategies. It’s the kind of country that makes you want to stay and build your dreams and ambitions.
For those who are having second thoughts on investing in their further studies in Canada, it’s time to take a second look and reevaluate your plans. Things are quickly changing to meet the demands of society and address urgent matters on the health crisis. For now, Canada has chosen to face the battle brilliantly and with full force, it would be a shame to waste a rare opportunity.
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