Canada is allowing an extra 18 months of open work permits to international students from 27 January 2021. About 52,000 international students will benefit from this new public policy announced by the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship on January 8, 2021.
According to canada.ca official Canadian immigration portal, international students who:
- have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020 or a PGWP that expires in 4 months or less from the date they apply
- are still in Canada
- have a valid temporary status, or be applying to restore their status
can apply for an open work permit.
The new open work permit will allow them to further stay in Canada for up to 18 more months. The new opportunity will help former international students to remain in Canada, continue to seek employment, and build their future there. Canada has always urged international students to permanently settle by providing them extra points for applying for the Express Entry or for PNP streams. In addition, for hiring the already available students in Canada for a job, the employers there do not need to get an LMIA that is normally required for hiring a professional from abroad. This way just in 2019, almost 58,000 international graduates were able to successfully get permanent residency in Canada. International students contribute over $21 billion annually to Canada’s economy and supporting the vitality of its communities.
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said in his announcement of 8 January 2021:
“Whether as nurses on the pandemic’s front lines or as founders of some of the most promising start-ups, international students are giving back to communities across Canada as we continue the fight against the pandemic. Their status may be temporary, but the contributions of international students are lasting. This new policy means that young students from abroad who have studied here can stay and find work while ensuring that Canada meets the urgent needs of our economy for today and tomorrow. Our message to international students and graduates is simple: we don’t just want you to study here, we want you to stay here.”
Generally, a PGWP is itself also an open work permit that is non-extendable. But the special new measures have been introduced so that the PGWP holders and their employers will have a sigh of relief. The Former students will be having a chance to stay further in Canada and gaining worthful work experience, and on the other hand, the employers will also have an opportunity to retain their valuable and experienced workers.
It is also a fact that international enrollment has increased in some institutions; however, overall, this study has seen a nine percent decline in international enrollment in various Canadian learning institutions. It is based on official statistics from more than 50 institutions across the country. There is no shortage of international admissions in all universities. There are some exceptions. According to UBC Okanagan, international undergraduate enrollment has increased by nine percent.
From 20 October 2020, international students enrolled in Canadian colleges or universities (DLI’s) will be able to travel to Canada and study on campus if their institutions have a readily available plan (approved by the government) for Covid-19.
According to the annual immigration report of 2020, international students made it to a large number of immigration to Canada where 827,586 international students were issued study permits out of which were 402,427 as new study permits to newcomers from around the world. Almost 11,566 study permit holders were granted permanent residency.
Canada’s reputation has been boosted by its government’s response to the epidemic. In May 2020 Navitas surveyed its global agent network to explore how COVID-19 was changing the fortunes of international study destinations. Findings from that initial survey showed that Canada’s reputation as a study destination had been enhanced by its government’s handling of the pandemic. At that time, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada topped the pack. So far, those entering Canada are subject to a mandatory 14-days quarantine period. International students are bound by this mandatory period. However, international students should consult with their school in Canada, as a component of the school’s Covid 19 preparation project has identified the ability to support parts of the school’s student quarantine experience.
Assalamualykum
I’m a physiotherapist. I’m from Karachi. I want to apply for Canadian Work Permit program through this new scheme for medical health care professionals, as soon as possible.
Kindly, let me inform all about it. Thank you.