International students enrich communities in Brampton and across the country while playing a crucial role in growing Canada’s economy. That is why today, the Member of Parliament for Brampton South, Sonia Sidhu, hosted a roundtable conversation alongside the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, at Sheridan College Davis Campus in the riding. The purpose was to discuss the challenges faced by international students and graduates in Canada and how the federal government can better support them.
During the roundtable, Minister Fraser highlighted the federal government’s commitment to supporting international students and graduates in Canada. He announced that international graduates with a recently expired or expiring post-graduation work permit (PGWP) will be eligible for an additional or extended work permit to stay longer and gain additional work experience for up to 18 months. This extension will help international graduates gain valuable Canadian work experience and help them qualify for permanent residency.
The PGWP Program is an initiative by the federal government that allows international graduates in Brampton and across Canada to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable work experience. The program is a significant benefit for international graduates looking to start their careers in Canada.
“I am proud to have hosted Minister Fraser in Brampton South and to have heard directly from international students and graduates about their challenges and experiences,” said MP Sidhu. “This announcement is an excellent step towards supporting our international graduates who have contributed to Canada’s economy and society,” she said.
The roundtable discussion provided an opportunity for the Minister to engage with Bramptonians and gain valuable feedback on how to improve federal immigration policies. Overall, it was an essential step towards addressing the challenges faced by international students and graduates in the Greater Toronto Area, and across Canada. The federal government’s commitment to extending work permits will help international graduates continue to contribute to the Canadian economy while gaining valuable work experience and preparing for the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.