CANADA PROCLAIMED: New Post- Graduation Work Permit rules, November 1st 2024
Canada announced new rules for the Post- Graduation Work permit (PGWP) applying from November 1,2024. These changes hold tough guidelines for college graduates, focusing on specific fields of study. Popular programs like business and hospitality are excluded, impacting many international students.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) declared recent guidelines transforming ability for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Prior criteria was implemented on 1 November 2024, offering particular switching for international students, specifically college graduates, with tough guidelines on required fields of study.
Key Changes & Timeline
Students who have registered for or had a Canada work permit visa before the given date of November 1,2024 are still eligible for PGWP under the same rules. Nevertheless, students who are desirable for a Canada work permit visa on or after this particular date have to face the new guidelines, crucially, the motive is to change the introduction of a "field of study" requirement for graduates from colleges and non-degree.
IRCC validates that university graduates will hold out the eligibility for PGWPs of up to three years, without any objection depending on their field of study. For college graduates, nonetheless only specialized programs will be accepted under the new rules.
New Field of Study Requirement for College Graduates
From 1 November 2024, graduates of college programs must have completed studies in an "eligible field of study" to qualify for a PGWP. IRCC has listed 966 programs that are considered eligible, covering five broad areas:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Skilled trades
- Transportation
Fields traditionally popular with international students, such as tourism, hospitality, and business studies, are notably absent from the list. This exclusion is expected to impact a significant number of international students seeking work opportunities in Canada.
Impact on Students and Educational Institutions
The decision to limit PGWP eligibility has sparked concerns among educational institutions, particularly those that rely on international students in fields now deemed ineligible. Karen Dancy, director of recruitment and international at Olds College, commented on LinkedIn, "Notably absent on the list is hospitality. This will be catastrophic for local communities, including rural and remote areas, that rely on our college-educated international learners."
According to ICEF Monitor, Marketa Evans, president and CEO of Colleges Ontario, expressed similar concerns in an open letter to IRCC Minister Marc Miller on 27 September. "We are very concerned about the lack of consultation with provinces and the use of national labor market information to inform what local employers need," she wrote, urging the government to work collaboratively with provinces to ensure regional labor needs are considered.
Language Necessities for PGWP Applications
In addition to the field of study requirements, international students applying for a PGWP must fulfill particular language requirements. More applicants should prove their proficiency in English or French through valid language tests.
For university graduates, the language necessity is set for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or its French equivalent, Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7. College graduates, however, must meet a lower threshold of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Scale of the Impact
The changed rules are looking forward to mainly decreasing the number of international students appropriate for post-study work permits. According to a report from The Toronto Star, over 105,000 PGWPs were issued in the first half of 2024, with 64% of them granted to graduates of college programs. Business studies graduates alone accounted for 42% of the permits, while STEM fields made up 37%. Under the new rules, a substantial portion of these graduates—especially those in business and other non-eligible.
The recent PGWP guidelines represent an important shift in Canada’s post-graduation work permits for international students. While ensuring long-term labor shortages in major sectors, the new implements might cause impactful consequences for international students and educational institutions across the country.
The exclusion of popular fields like business and hospitality has drawn criticism from stakeholders who argue that the policy may fail to address local labor needs and diminish Canada’s appeal as well. In 2025, around 10% will be called, which is a huge difference compared to 2024 in international education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key details of the Work Permit After Graduation?
The Post Graduation work Permit allows international students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada with a Canada work visa for up to three years after graduation.
Recent guidelines announced by PGWP?
New changes hold tough guidelines for college graduates, focusing on specific fields of study. Popular programs like business and hospitality are excluded, impacting many international students
PGWP under the new rules?
To be applicable, you must have:
- Applicants should prove their proficiency in French or English through valid language tests.
- Applied for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
Has the duration of the Post Graduation Work Permit changed?
The duration remains based on the length of your study programme.
- Less than eight months: Not eligible.
- Eight months to less than two years: Valid for the same length as the study program.
- Two years or more: Valid for three years.
In case I studied online, am I qualified to apply for a Graduate Work Permit?
The details of your program and whether or not a DLI provided it may affect your eligibility. Participation in person is required for many sessions. For more information, visit the IRCC website.
How would I apply for a work permit post graduation?
Applying online can be done via the IRCC website. Make sure you have all the relevant documents, such as transcripts, proof of graduation, and any fees that may be needed.
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