Valerian Mazataud Le Devoir Thousands of international students are now eligible for an extension of their work permit.
Thousands of international students who have graduated from a Canadian university and have post-graduation work permits will be able to extend it by 18 months, the federal immigration minister announced on Friday.
“This addition will allow international students to continue contributing to Canada's economy, while gaining valuable work experience. This will increase their chance of qualifying to become a permanent resident,” Sean Fraser told a press conference.
International graduates will be able to apply from April 6. Those whose license expired in 2022 or will expire in 2023 are eligible. Such an extension had also been announced in 2021 and 2022.
“Canada is facing demographic challenges,” added the Minister. We want to keep their talent in Canada. Not just to fill the short-term labor gap, but to make sure we meet our long-term economic needs.”
Nearly 127,000 permits will expire this year. Slightly more than half of the holders have already applied for permanent residence.
