New program for people whose post-graduation work permit expired or will expire between September 20, 2021 to December 31, 2022

On August 2, 2022 IRCC announced the "New measures for foreign nationals with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits and applicants to the temporary resident to permanent resident pathways". This is a complicated program. There are multiple rules dealing with multiple fact situations. In essence, a person whose post-graduation work permit expires between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2022 will have a chance to either extend the work permit or apply for a new one for an additional 18 months. IRCC says that many applicants will receive an email confirming their status giving them the ability to work in the interim while their permit is being extended or a new one issued. Any person who may fall into the category, though, should not rely on IRCC remembering them but should take a pro-active approach if not contacted by IRCC by mid-September.

Here are some other important points:

1. this program applies even to someone who left Canada and came back;
2. all applications are online and must be submitted by December 31, 2022;
3. if your status has expired, you must apply to restore your status at the same time that you apply for a new work permit. Applicants may apply for restoration even if it has been more than 90 days since their status expired.