On January 22, 2024, IRCC declared that there will be certain changes to Canada’s international student program. 

One of them was that the graduates of college programs with public-private curriculum licensing agreements would no longer be eligible for a PGWP as of September 1, 2024. 

Moreover, as of March 22, IRCC has amended this date to May 15, 2024. This implies that international students in one of these programs who graduate after this date are no longer eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit. 

The department’s decision is in response to concerns about the quality of education that international students obtain at these institutions. A report from the Auditor General demonstrated that there is a lack of oversight of program quality & student services at these institutions. 

Moreover, IRCC anticipates that without the ability to apply for a PGWP, there will be a reduction in the number of international/ foreign students enrolling in these institutions. 

IRCC also notes that those impacted by the change might still be eligible for a different type of work permit. Also, it states that IRCC will continue to work with provinces and territories to proactively identify programs that have been affected by the clarification and will update the list as that obtains additional information from them. 

Well, this measure is one of the many measures that IRCC has been using to combat unsustainable growth in the international student program in recent years. 

Other Changes To PGWP Eligibility Criteria  

IRCC declared that there will be certain changes to Canada’s international student program. Notably, graduates of master’s programs that are shorter than eight months are now eligible for a three-year PGWP. 

The time a PGWP aligns with the applicant’s academic program.  

The department asserts that graduates of programs that are at least two years in length at PGWP-eligible designated learning institutions are eligible for three-year PGWP, as are graduates of master’s degree programs less than 2 years in length. 

What Is A PGWP?

A Post Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit for foreign/ international student graduates of a Canadian DLI. It gives holders the opportunity to work for almost any Canadian employer.  

International graduates who receive a PGWP gain professional work experience in Canada, which can be beneficial for those who wish to become permanent residents.