How To Apply for PGWP Extension 2023: Full Details and Answers to PGWP Extension FAQ

After news of the PGWP extension, IRCC has now updated the full details on how to apply for PGWP Extension 2023. So, in this article, we’ll be sharing with you how you can apply to extend your PGWP in 2023.

Extending your Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) this year is based on three different scenarios. You should note that if your PGWP has expired by September 20, 2021, or will expire by December 31, 2023, then you are eligible for an 18-month extension.

There are a lot of requirements to take into consideration to apply for this extension. Thus we encourage you to request the help of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or immigration lawyers if you feel there is a need.

In this article, we’ll share with you all the details on PGWP extension eligibility, fee payment, and answers to some PGWP FAQs (Frequently asked questions).

How To Apply for PGWP Extension 2023

PGWP Extension 2023 Opt-In Option

This PGWP Extension 2023 Opt-In Option is only for individuals with expired or about to expire PGWPs. IRCC has started sending emails to these individuals and will stop sending such emails on April 6, 2023.

If you fall into this category, then you should have received an email from the email id ending with @cic.gc.ca or @notifications.canada.ca. IRCC has been sending such emails since March 31, 2023. We encourage PGWP holders to check their emails including the junk and spam folders to see if they receive an email for an opt-in invitation from IRCC.

According to IRCC instructions, the subject of the email is 2023 Special Measure: Opt-in for Valid PGWP Holders.

PGWP holders who received this Opt-In email will need to log in to their MyCIC or GCKey or IRCC secure account. After logging in they will need to click on the below option and just select to opt-in for an 18-month extension.

Opt-in PGWP holders must meet and satisfy the following conditions:

They reside in Canada
Their current address is correct
Their passport details are up-to-date as well as the expiration date is June 2025 or later.

According to IRCC, PGWP holders who complete the steps above and meet the associated conditions should get their PGWP Extension by the end of June 2023 at their mailing address.

In-Canada and Outside-Canada PGWP Holders “WITHOUT” Opt-In Option

Current and previous PGWP holders who do not have this option in their GCKey and have not received an opt-in email will make use of this option to extend their PGWP.

Individuals in this category will have until December 31, 2023, to apply for an open work permit online. These individuals must satisfy the following conditions:

Their post-graduation work permit (PGWP) has expired or is set to expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023.
They must include the fact in their new online open work permit application that they are applying under this public policy.
They must have a valid passport to extend the period of their open work permit
They must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 18 months from the day their PGWP expires (if it is still valid) or from the date their application is accepted (if their PGWP has expired).
They must be temporary residents (work permit, visitor record, study permit, or temporary resident permit) OR
They must apply for status restoration (within 90 days of the expiration of legal status) OR
They must apply for status restoration and an 18-month open work permit if they lost their temporary resident status and also exceeded the 90-day limit of applying for restoration.

Eligibility for PGWP Holders Beneficiary From 2022 Policy

Beneficiaries of the PGWP Extension Policy in 2022 whose PGWP has expired are also eligible for the 2023 PGWP extension.

If your first PGWP expired after September 20, 2021, and will expire before December 31, 2023, then you’re eligible for an extension. However, if your first PGWP expired before September 2021, then you’re not eligible for the new 18-month 2023. PGWP extension.

How to Apply For PGWP Extension Without Opt-In Option

To apply for the PGWP extension online you will need to use your GCKey or create a new one. You will also need a scanner, phone scanner, or phone camera as well as a credit or debit card.

In the open work permit application form make sure that you:

Enter “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit in the Details of intended work in Canada section
Enter “2023 PGWP PP open” as the Job title
Enter “Open work permit” in the Brief description of the duties field

You can download and read the full application instruction guide here

PGWP Extension 2023 Fees Payment

The cost of the 2023 PGWP extension for PGWP holders eligible is ZERO as they are exempted from paying the $100 CAD open work permit holder fee.

However, they will need to pay the processing fee for a work permit of $155 + $85 biometric fee (if required i.e. if they’ve given their biometrics more than 10 years ago). For those applying for restoration along with an extension, they’ll need to pay the restoration fee of $229.77 in addition to the fees above.

PGWP Extension FAQs and Answers

How to start your application for PGWP Extension 2023 open work permit?

Log into your GCKey or create a new one, then select “Start your application.” > Choose “Application to come to Canada” > On the next page, scroll down to the line that says, “I do not have a personal reference code.” > Choose “Visitor visa, student permit, or work permit”

My PGWP expired prior to September 2021. Am I still eligible?

No, you are not eligible for PGWP extension 2023 because your PGWP expired prior to September 2021.

What to do if you can’t apply online for PGWP Extension 2023?

If you cannot apply online due to disability or there is trouble with the online application, then you can submit a paper application with the required documents.

Are PGWPs expiring in January 2024 eligible?

Right now, there is NO confirmation from IRCC and neither is there any expectation of a similar extension for PGWPs expiring in January 2024 or later. As of now, only those with their PGWP expiring in December 2023 are eligible.

What to do if you need a new social insurance number?

Present a digital copy of your work permit issued by IRCC in order to get or renew your social insurance number (SIN). However, your temporary interim authorization cannot be used to obtain your SIN. As a result, you will need to apply online for your SIN after getting your work permit.

Source: IRCC