Canada's New PGWP Rules

The eligibility requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) are changing with many international students soon to be unable to get the coveted open work permit but others being able to enjoy longer periods of time to work in Canada.

Following the recent announcement of caps on the number of international students, there are significant changes to the eligibility requirements of the PGWP.

“Starting Sept. 1, international students who begin a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post­graduation work permit upon graduation,” notes Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

“Under curriculum licensing agreements, students physically attend a private college that has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college. 

That will effectively limit the number of international students who will qualify for the PGWP.

But graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs are getting a break under the new criteria. They will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit. 

“Under current criteria, the length of a post­graduation work permit is based solely on the length of an individual’s study program, hindering master’s graduates by limiting the amount of time they have to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.”

Spouses of international students in undergraduate and college programs, though, will soon no longer be eligible for open work permits. 

“In the weeks ahead, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs,” states the IRCC.

The Canadian government is under fire from opposition critics who are blaming the housing crisis in Canada on the country’s record-high levels of immigration.

“International students are vital to Canada and enrich our communities. As such, we have an obligation to ensure that they have access to the resources they need for an enriching academic experience. In Canada, today, this isn’t always the case,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Jan. 22.

“Today, we are announcing additional measures to protect a system that has become so lucrative that it has opened a path for its abuse. 

“Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.”

Senior economists at the big banks say immigration has been poorly managed, putting pressure on the federal government to make changes.

Among them is a proposed series of two-year limits on the number of international students allowed to study in each province."

“The cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35 percent from 2023,” the immigration minister has reportedly said. “In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province, based on population.”