IRCC to resume FSWP and CEC invitations in July; and offer open work permit to PGWP holders

Today, Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a series of important policy changes.

The first part is related to the Express Entry. In early July, Express Entry invites to FSWP, CEC, and FSTP candidates will resume. The great majority of new Express Entry applications will be processed within six months of their submission. According to the IRCC, Express Entry processing durations currently range from seven to more than twenty months.

The other parts are about the PGWP and PR card. Beginning this summer, those possessing a PGWP that expires between January and December 2022 will be eligible for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months. The IRCC is working on a simpler procedure and will provide further information “in the coming weeks.” According to the IRCC, around 95,000 PGWPs will expire in 2022, and up to 50,000 PGWP holders could profit from this new open work permit. Applicants will no longer be needed to remain in Canada for the whole processing of their application.