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The public policy was issued by IRCC (Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada) recently to allow former international students whose post graduate work permit has been expired or will soon be, to apply for a new open work permit.

Prior to this policy, every individual was only allowed to apply for open work permit after graduating once in their life. The new open work permit will be valid for 18 months. This allows former students who were not able to find employment last year due to the pandemic, now seek jobs for another 18 months.

The experience collected during this time is calculated towards Express Entry points given it will be more than 1 year.

To apply for an open work permit the applicant must meet the following requirement:

• Being a former international student
• Having a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020 or will expire in 4 months or less from the date of application.
• Have a valid temporary status or able to apply for restoration.
• Have a valid passport.
• Be in Canada.

The applications are accepted online from January 27, 2021 to July 27, 2021.