Canada Updates Work Permit Rule, Impact on Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), 31 Dec is Deadline!

Table of Contents

Canada Updates Work Permit Rule

Canada updates work permit rule: In recent developments, Canada has rolled out updates to its work permit rules, specifically impacting post-graduation work permit holders whose permits are set to expire after December 31, 2023. This move has stirred a mixed reaction among Indian students studying in Canada, as they now face the challenge of exploring alternative ways to continue staying in the country.

Changes in PGWP Extension Policy

Canada Updates Work Permit Rule: One of the significant changes involves the Canadian government’s decision not to extend the temporary policy that granted an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders whose permits had expired or were set to end. This decision directly affects international students whose PGWPs are scheduled to expire after December 31, 2023.

Mixed Reactions from Indian Students

Indian students in Canada have expressed their concerns about the impact of this decision on their future plans. According to Mandeep, the convenor of the Montreal Students Youth Organisation (MYSO), the non-extension of this policy leaves students with uncertainties about their next steps.

Exploring Alternative Options

With the PGWP extension no longer available for permits expiring after January 1, 2024, students are contemplating various options to secure their stay in Canada. Manpreet Kaur Longowal suggests possibilities such as marrying a Canadian PR holder, seeking asylum, or obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) document from a company with job vacancies.

LMIA as an Alternative

The LMIA is a crucial document that Canadian employers need to acquire before hiring a foreign worker. It serves as proof that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a particular job role, and no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available for the job. However, concerns have been raised about the potential exploitation of students, as companies might charge significantly higher prices for the LMIA document.

Canada Work Permit Costs and Challenges

While the standard fee for an LMIA document is 1,000 Canadian dollars, reports suggest that some companies exploit students by charging much higher amounts unofficially. The eligibility criteria for companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and outside GTA also pose challenges, adding to the complexity of the situation.

Updates on Canada’s Work-Hour Limit

In addition to changes in the PGWP extension policy, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller announced an extension of the waiver on the 20-hour-per-week work limit for international students working off-campus. This extension, valid until April 30, 2024, is seen as a positive development by students, allowing them to work for longer hours while studying.

Conditions of the Work-Hour Limit

The extended work-hour limit applies to international students already in Canada and those who have applied for a study permit as of December 7, 2023. However, students submitting applications after December 7, 2023, will need to adhere to the standard 20-hour-per-week work norm.

Future Considerations by IRCC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expressed its ongoing examination of options for the future, including the possibility of expanding off-campus work hours for international students to 30 hours per week while class is in session.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

While the extension of the work-hour limit is a welcomed step, the non-extension of PGWPs raises concerns among students. The impact of these changes extends beyond the immediate future, as students anticipate potential challenges in the upcoming elections, where Canada may introduce even stricter immigration rules. Organizations like MYSO are actively making students aware of these changes through social media, recognizing the need for preparedness and informed decision-making among aspirants.

In conclusion, the recent updates to Canada’s work permit rules underscore the dynamic nature of immigration policies and their profound effects on international students. Navigating these changes requires a careful consideration of alternative options and staying informed about potential future developments in Canada’s immigration landscape.

You can also read:

1. Visa Free Entry to Indian Citizens From Dec 1: Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand and Now Malaysia!!
2. Umrah Visa From India: Visa Rules Eased! Include Extension of the Umrah Visa to 90 days!
3. Unraveling White Lung Syndrome 2023: A Pneumonia Outbreak Echoing China’s COVID Origin..
4. Unraveling the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL): India’s Longest 22 km Sea Bridge Project!