Acknowledging the vital role international students play in the Canadian economy, IRCC has announced new measures to help former international students hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures apply to former international students who held or currently hold a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Foreign nationals in Canada meeting these criteria will be able to apply for an additional 18-month open work permit.

To be eligible, an applicant’s PGWP must have expired on or after January 30, 2020 or must expire 4 months or less from the date they apply. The government will accept applications for the new open work period between January 27 and July 27, 2021.

Source: Canada.ca