Federal and provincial immigration officials are currently engaged in discussions to propose significant changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria. The PGWP is a vital open work permit available to international students who have completed an eligible program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
According to notes from the IRCC Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024, the proposed changes aim to align the issuance of PGWPs with Canada’s labour market needs. This will involve facilitating access to work permits for students entering occupations in shortage while reducing access for graduates from other programs. The goal is to ensure that the influx of international graduates into the workforce directly addresses Canada’s economic demands .
The proposed changes are expected to be advised by the Minister in spring 2024, with the implementation targeted for January 2025. These changes are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the growth of international student numbers and enhance the integrity of the PGWP program .
The internal survey document from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals several methods under consideration to align educational programs with PGWP availability. Key questions posed to stakeholders include whether international students should be required to demonstrate proof of a job offer aligned with the occupational shortage list to extend their PGWP beyond one year and whether additional eligibility criteria, such as language proficiency or provincial support, should be applied .
Under the current criteria, the length of the PGWP is based on the duration of the individual’s study program. For instance, graduates from programs of at least eight months but less than two years can receive a work permit valid for the same length as their study program, while graduates from programs of two years or more can receive a three-year work permit .
Additionally, starting from February 15, 2024, graduates from master’s degree programs of less than two years will be eligible for a three-year PGWP, offering them extended opportunities to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can facilitate their transition to permanent residency (Dev Immigration).
The proposed changes aim to better integrate international students into the Canadian workforce, ensuring that their skills and education align with the country’s economic needs. This initiative will also enhance their prospects for permanent residency by providing them with relevant work experience in key sectors.