Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced it will not be providing any further extensions to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders. This update comes as part of a broader set of policy updates regarding Canada’s international student program, released on December 7.
The PGWP has been a vital bridge for international graduates, granting them the opportunity to work in Canada for up to three years—depending on the length of their academic program—after completing their studies. However, it is traditionally a one-time, non-renewable permit. Over the past few years, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic challenges, IRCC implemented three rounds of temporary open work permit extensions for expiring PGWP holders.
The most recent extension was introduced on April 6, 2023, and remains available to those whose PGWPs expire on or before December 31, 2023. Eligible candidates can receive an 18-month open work permit, giving them additional time to gain Canadian work experience, secure a new status, or transition to permanent residency. However, IRCC has clarified that this is the final opportunity, and no new extension policy is planned beyond this current offering.
PGWPs have played a significant role in Canada’s immigration landscape. In 2022 alone, nearly 98,000 individuals holding a PGWP transitioned to permanent residency—representing 82% of all temporary residents who made that shift. This underscores the strategic importance of PGWP holders to Canada’s labour market and immigration pathways.
IRCC projected that by the end of 2023, approximately 268,000 individuals would hold a PGWP in Canada, with around 127,000 of those permits set to expire. Those whose permits fall under this expiry window still have time to apply for the last available open work permit extension if they have not done so already.
For international graduates whose PGWPs are expiring after December 31, 2023, alternative immigration pathways—including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and employer-driven LMIA-based work permits—may be the next viable steps. Candidates are encouraged to act early and consult a licensed immigration professional to explore their options.
This policy change reflects IRCC’s move toward normalizing post-pandemic immigration operations and signals a return to standard processing procedures. While no further blanket extensions will be granted, eligible PGWP holders still have options to navigate Canada’s immigration system.
Stay updated with Maple News for the latest developments affecting international students, temporary residents, and immigration hopefuls.