Big Changes Ahead for International Students in Canada!

For over a decade, international students in Canada could pursue any postsecondary program and still qualify for an open work permit upon graduation, regardless of their field of study. This flexibility has made Canada a top destination for students worldwide. But that’s about to change.

In March of this year, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a 2-year cap on reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada by 20%, or 500,000 people by 2027 from the current 2.5 million people, which included hundreds of thousands of postgraduate work permit holders.

It’s important to note that Canadian international students attending primary and secondary schools are exempt from the cap, along with international students pursuing Masters and PhDs. Additionally, people seeing study permit renewals or extensions are also being avoided from the counted cap.

With a cap now in place to control the number of international students, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has hinted at upcoming revisions to postgraduate work permit rules. These permits, instrumental in driving Canada’s international student enrollment to over a million, are being re-evaluated to better serve the country’s labor market needs and provide a clearer path to permanent residence.

Why the shift? Experts argue that Ottawa needs to align postgraduate work permits with specific sectors like healthcare and trade. This strategic move aims to balance the surge in international enrollment and address resource strains like housing.

At a recent press conference, Miller stated, “Provinces need longer-term work permits for healthcare and trades sectors. We’re ready to accommodate based on the data they provide.”

Recruiters have long promoted postsecondary education in Canada as a shortcut to immigration, but the system is evolving. To manage the influx, Miller introduced a two-year cap on study permits per province, ensuring a sustainable approach to international education.

What did we know until now?

Effective February 15, 2024: Students who complete a master’s degree program, even if it’s less than two years, will now qualify for a 3-year PGWP, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. This change opens up incredible opportunities for master’s graduates, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Canada and enhancing their prospects for permanent residency.

Effective May 15, 2024:

• Students enrolled in curriculum licensing agreement programs will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. This update aims to ensure that the work permit benefits are aligned with programs that contribute directly to Canada’s labor market needs.
• Special measures for distance learning and PGWP validity are also being updated. These changes reflect the evolving educational landscape and the need to maintain the integrity of the PGWP program.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for a PGWP, international students must:

• Graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government in Canada to host international students.
• Meet specific program duration requirements. For instance, master’s degree programs must be at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) to qualify for a PGWP.

What does this mean for International Students?

1. Extended Work Opportunities: Graduates of shorter master’s programs can now benefit from an extended 3-year work permit, providing ample time to gain professional experience in Canada.
2. Focused Eligibility: The exclusion of curriculum licensing agreement programs from PGWP eligibility ensures that the work permit benefits those whose education directly supports Canadian labor market needs.
3. Clear Pathways: Aligning PGWP eligibility with Canada’s economic goals offers a clearer path to permanent residency for international students, rewarding those with Canadian education credentials and work experience.

Why are these changes important?

Canada has been a top destination for international students, thanks in part to the PGWP program, which allows graduates to gain valuable work experience. However, the rapid increase in international student enrollment has put pressure on resources like housing and infrastructure. By refining the PGWP program, the Canadian government aims to better manage this growth while meeting labor market demands.

Planning Your Future in Canada: If you’re an international student or planning to study in Canada, staying informed about these changes is crucial. Ensure that your chosen program aligns with the new PGWP requirements to maximize your opportunities in Canada.

PGWP Extension Eligibility for 2024

You have to fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible for a PGWP extension in 2024:

• A PGWP that is currently in effect and expires within 18 months of the application date is required.
• You must be working full-time in Canada in a skilled profession in order to qualify.
• You needed to have finished a full-time course of study at one of Canada’s designated learning institutions (DLIs).
• You must have finished your degree program within the last five years in order to be eligible.
• You are a healthcare worker working full-time in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• You are a graduate of a STEM program (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
• You are a French-speaking graduate who is working in a French-speaking community in Canada.

A PGWP application may only be submitted once in a lifetime. You will not be able to apply for another PGWP for further study programs in Canada if you choose to go back to school after applying.

Consider applying for a different kind of Canadian work permit, such as an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit, if your post-graduation work permit is about to expire. You can keep your status to work in Canada if you apply before your PGWP expires and complete the requirements of these permits.

The current processing time for PGWP extensions is 6–8 months.

To find out more about your possibilities for staying in Canada once your PGWP work permit expires, get in touch with us.