Express Entry is the most sought-after option for skilled workers to settle in Canada, as it expedites the processing of applications across three popular immigration pathways. Candidates exploring permanent residence after graduation from a Designated Learning Institute in Canada prefer a Post-Graduation Work Permit to enrich their eligibility for Express Entry selection by getting Canadian work experience.
The PGWP option helps you extend your stay in Canada after studies to get Canadian work experience. The duration of a Post-Graduation Work Permit equals the length of a study program. Read ahead to discover how to navigate the Express Entry and PGWP in 2024, given the recent changes.
New IRCC announcements impact PGWP holders
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced in December 2023 that it is ending multiple extensions for temporary work permits that were in response to the pandemic. Canada allowed work permit holders, including the Post Graduation-Work Permit holders maintain their status as there were short pauses and processing delays in Express Entry invitation rounds during the pandemic.
IRCC allowed the last extension on April 6, 2023. It enabled candidates to extend their work status by getting open work permits with 18 months validity. It helped PGWP holders extend their status if their Post-Graduation Work Permits were expiring on December 31, 2023. However, IRCC suggested it will allow PGWP holders having work permits expiring on or before December 31, 2023, to extend their status despite the decision to end future extensions.
Addressing the concerns of PGWP validity
Post-graduation work Permit (PGWP) holders perceive Express Entry as a suitable option to become Canadian permanent residents. Canadian work experience helps them improve their CRS score, boosting prospects of competitive selection during the Express Entry draws. PGWP holders struggling with the challenges of expiring work permits while expecting Invitations to Apply through Express Entry draws may explore various avenues to remain in Canada.
You may apply for a Visitor Record at least a month before the expiration of the Post-Graduation Work Permit. A Visitor Record will have a maximum validity of six months because the extension is case-specific.
Candidates awaiting a final decision on their Permanent Residence approval can consider the alternative of A Bridging Open Work Permit. The BOWP option is helpful for applicants of Agri-food Pilot, Quebec Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Express Entry.
Being proactive and considering various options to extend your stay in Canada is crucial if the Post-Graduation Work Permit is nearing expiry. It helps navigate the challenges of Canadian immigration and ensures a smooth transition to permanent residence.
Express Entry 2024- an overview
Permanent residence aspirants navigating the Express Entry selection process should know the changes in types of draws following the start of category-based invitation rounds. The Express Entry draws had an element of predictability as the IRCC followed the practice of conducting draws once or twice every two weeks.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) announced five categories of Express Entry selection to target specific high-demand occupations. The number of category-based Express Entry draws in 2023 was:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)- 2
- Healthcare- 3
- French-language proficiency- 6
- Transport-2
- Trades- 2
- Agriculture and agri-food- 2
IRCC issued 8,700 ITAs through these category-based draws in 2023. The entry of category-based Express Entry draws changed this as IRCC holds invitation rounds in batches. There are three categories of Express Entry draws: general, program-specific, and category-based rounds.
There may be more Express Entry draws for the healthcare category in 2024 because of the significant demand for healthcare workers. Healthcare workers from overseas can leverage the Foreign Credentials Rating Program to fast-track their immigration through the Express Entry selection program.
The takeaway
The 2023 Express Entry trends show that the CRS scores for category-based draws are lower than the General All-programs Express Entry draws. Developing in-demand skills and French language proficiency, besides extending stay in Canada, is a helpful strategy for PGWP holders seeking permanent residency through Express Entry.
