International students have been contributing over $21 billion annually to
the economy as well as supporting the vitality of Canadian communities.
International students are giving back to communities across Canada, be
it as nurses on the front lines fighting the pandemic, or as founders of
some of the most promising start-ups. But the ongoing Coronavirus
pandemic has presented many challenges to the international students.
For many post-graduation work permits (PGWP) holders the pandemic
has jeopardized their chances of getting work experience they need to
apply for permanent residence (PR).
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship, Canada has announced certain reforms
towards it. The former international students who hold or held a PGWP
will have the opportunity to apply for an open work permit. This comes
as an initiative of the Government of Canada to support international
students through these challenging times.
Any foreign national in Canada with an expired or expiring PGWP will
have a unique chance to apply for another open work permit. These will
be valid for 18 months and allow former international students to stay
back in Canada. They can continue to seek employment and build their
future in Canada
International students help create jobs and fill labour shortages causing
businesses to thrive. With their strong employment and language skills,
strengthened by their Canadian education and work experience, they are
well positioned to apply for PR status. The government of Canada
encourages immigration to Canada and has made remarkable efforts
to encourage international students to settle permanently in Canada. In
2019 more than 58,000 graduates have successfully applied for PR, and
their decisions to stay in Canada will help to address the stark
demographic challenges of Canada.
Even through the second wave of the pandemic, attracting skilled
immigrants is a central part of Canada’s immigrant policy. This will chart
a new course for recovery and will help more graduates to fill the critical
needs in areas like health care, technology and more. This new policy
means that young students from abroad who have studied here can stay
and find work. This will ensure that Canada meets the urgent needs of
our economy for today and tomorrow. Let us look forward to more former
international students building their future in Canada contributing to its
long-term prosperity.
To know more on the latest updates for immigration to Canada, get in
touch with us at M & G Immigration and Education Consultants.