Canada PGWP eligibility rules updated and explained

The Canadian government has recently updated the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, a pathway that allows international students graduating from eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable Canadian work experience. These changes, primarily focused on the field of study requirements, aim to align the program with current labor market needs.

As of November 1, 2024, a significant adjustment to the PGWP eligibility now requires that the graduate's program of study be linked to occupations identified as being in long-term shortage within Canada. These sectors include, but are not limited to, agriculture, healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, and trade and transport industries. This amendment intends to ensure that the PGWP program effectively addresses critical labor gaps across the country.

However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined specific exemptions to this new field of study requirement. International students are not subject to this condition if they meet any of the following criteria:

• They submitted their PGWP application before November 1, 2024.
• They have graduated from a flight school.
• They have completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program.
• They applied for their study permit before November 1, 2024.

Beyond the new field of study stipulation, the fundamental eligibility criteria for the PGWP remain consistent. Applicants must have completed a program of study of at least eight months in duration (or 900 hours for programs in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible DLI. Maintaining full-time student status throughout the program is also a requirement, although part-time study is permitted in the final semester.

Prospective graduates must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of their program completion, and their study permit must have been valid at some point during this application window. It is also important to note that individuals who have completed English or French as a Second Language programs are not eligible for the PGWP.

These updates to the PGWP program reflect the Canadian government's ongoing efforts to refine immigration policies to meet evolving economic demands while continuing to offer valuable opportunities for international graduates seeking to contribute to the Canadian workforce. International students are advised to carefully review the updated eligibility criteria and ensure they meet all requirements before applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Further details and the most up-to-date information can be found on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.