Starting February 15, 2024, there are important changes to the Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP).
The Canadian government acknowledges the importance of master’s degree graduates in the country’s job market.
The PGWP updates for 2024 aim to improve the program for these graduates. These changes are significant for international students who want to study and work in Canada.
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Changes to the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) 2024
Starting February 15, 2024, students who finish a master’s program, regardless of its length (whether two years or less), can still get a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The government’s goal with this change is to help master’s graduates transition more smoothly into the Canadian job market. This, in turn, increases their chances of getting permanent residence status in Canada.
Canada is making this move to attract and keep skilled individuals worldwide. They recognize the valuable skills and expertise that people with master’s degrees bring.
For international students aiming to study in Canada, this new PGWP rule means more opportunities. It provides a longer timeframe to explore career options and gain important work experience in Canada.
PGWP Eligibility Criteria for Public-Private Partnership College Programs
To address concerns about the quality of education and support for students in certain public-private partnership college programs, the IRCC has made changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules.
If you’re already an international student in these programs, you can still apply for a PGWP. However, if you’re thinking of enrolling after September 1, 2024, you won’t be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
This change is meant to ensure that students receive a good education and have better opportunities for success in their future careers.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program has been updated to create more opportunities for international students looking to study and work in Canada.
These changes are beneficial for Canada’s growth, ensuring the program functions well and making it easier for students to find jobs after they graduate.
To make the most of academic and professional opportunities in Canada, it’s important to stay informed about and meet the updated eligibility criteria.
Changes to Open Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses
Updates are being made to who can get a work permit if they’re the husband, wife, or partner of an international student in Canada. Soon, only partners of students studying for graduate or professional degrees will be eligible for a work permit.
This means that if the student is in a higher-level program like a master’s or doctorate, their partner can still get a work permit. However, if the student is in a lower-level program like a bachelor’s or college diploma, their partner will only be eligible for a work permit once.
This update is being made to ensure that the level of education of the student matches the work opportunities available to their partner. It’s about fairness and giving everyone the right chances based on their educational goals.
Cap and Provincial Attestation Letter
Canada has changed the rules for international students. Now, there’s a cap on how many new international students can come to study in Canada. In 2024, the maximum number of new international students allowed is around 360,000, which is 35% less than in 2023.
Starting January 22, 2024, most new international students at colleges or universities must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they will study with their application.
This letter shows that the student has permission from that province or territory to study in Canada. The goal is to make sure Canada’s population grows sustainably and to keep the immigration system running smoothly.
If you want to apply for a study permit, make sure to check the eligibility criteria for obtaining a PAL to make the application process easier.
For the Canada Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions used to be eligible if their study program was at least 8 months long.
However, Canada has recently changed the rules. Public-private partnership college programs starting on or after September 1, 2024, will no longer be eligible for PGWP.
