Canadian Post-Graduate Work Permit Extension Posted onJanuary 8, 2021January 8, 2021/ Devry Smith Frank LLP International students in Canada often rely on the coveted post-graduate work permit (PGWP) to secure jobs after graduation, which experience often goes on to earn them essential points in Canada’s Express Entry route to permanent residence. As covered in one of our previous blogs, this valuable Canadian work experience can often make or break an international student’s chances of success in achieving permanent residency. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, holders of PGWPs have found themselves either unable to find jobs or have been let go from jobs in Canada, and many have watched their time-limited permits run out while missing the opportunity to make use of them. Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship just announced a temporary policy that will allow students in this position to apply for a new permit valid for another 18 months. While the job market continues to be unpredictable, this is a positive step in the right direction and provides international students already in Canada who have struggled to gather Canadian experience an extended opportunity to do so. International students who contribute more than $21 billion annually to the Canadian economy often rely on their education as a stepping stone to permanent residence to the Canadian economy. For more information contact immigration lawyer Maya Krishnaratne at maya.krishnaratne@devrylaw.ca “This article is intended to inform. Its content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon by readers as such. If you require legal assistance, please see a lawyer. Each case is unique and a lawyer with good training and sound judgment can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.” Related Posts Posted onFebruary 24, 2021February 24, 2021/ Devry Smith Frank LLP Next Steps for Canadian Express Entry? In our last blog on February 13, 2021, Express Entry draw (click here), we reported on the unprecedentedly large number of Canadian Experience Class candidates that were invited to apply for permanent residence. Canada’s Express Entry system is a two-step process whereby economically desirable foreign nationals must qualify for an Express Entry category and then [...] Read more Posted onDecember 23, 2020December 23, 2020/ Devry Smith Frank LLP New Extensions To Canada’s Working Holiday Permits DSF’s immigration law group is hopeful about a 2021 that will see increased immigration to Canada by skilled young workers to complement our labour force and fill necessary labour shortages. Canadian immigration strategies regarding the Express Entry process for permanent residence announced this fall aim to do just that. See our interview with Canada’s Minister [...] Read more Posted onOctober 6, 2020November 30, 2020/ Devry Smith Frank LLP Immediate Family Members of Canadians – Entering Canada Since the onset of the pandemic, the rules about who can enter Canada have been confusing and hard to keep up with at times. A particularly hard hit group has been “immediate family members” of Canadians. The temporary travel ban enacted under the Quarantine Act has consistently defined “immediate family members” as the spouse or [...] Read more Posted onMay 1, 2020September 30, 2020/ Devry Smith Frank LLP Canadian Spouse? Travel to Canada During COVID-19 Canadian Spouse? Travel to Canada During COVID-19 By now, you are probably aware that Canada like most other countries has implemented stringent travel restrictions on travellers to Canada in the midst of COVID-19. The restrictions affect everyone including citizens, visitors, workers, and their family members. The travel restrictions have come down in the form of [...] Read more Posted onApril 28, 2020September 30, 2020/ Devry Smith Frank LLP Temporary Foreign Workers can enter Canada amidst COVID-19 Travel Restrictions This blog is co-written by our former articling student, Janet Son. The Federal Government announced changes to the travel restrictions as they apply to Temporary Foreign Workers (“TFW”) with some major caveats. TFW’s who are coming to Canada for an “essential purpose” are exempt from travel restrictions if they do not present symptoms. Essential services include: Necessary medical deliveries [...] Read more