Things You Need to Know About the New Post-Graduation Work Permit

International students are looking for ways to prolong their stay and obtain significant work experience after finishing their education, especially in today's highly competitive employment market. Graduates in Canada who are looking to make the leap from academia to the workforce have traditionally looked to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as a guiding light. It is essential to grasp the intricacies of the revised PGWP program to make educated decisions regarding your future, whether you are already a student in Canada or intend to come here for further study. Seek out the counsel of immigration lawyers in Ottawa for tailored assistance while you negotiate the intricacies of the PGWP procedure.

About Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

An open work permit known as a PGWP is made available to overseas students who are enrolled in any of the Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) designated by the Canadian government. Because the overall amount of work experience that international students accumulate will increase their chances of becoming qualified to gain permanent residency in Canada, this work permit is extremely popular and highly prized among international students.

International students will be greatly impacted by the new regulations for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) that were implemented in a substantial policy change by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Make sure you're enrolled in a qualifying college program as of November 1, 2024, if you're an overseas student hoping to get a PGWP after finishing your studies in Canada. The recruitment of students and the direction of programs face new obstacles and opportunities as a result of these shifts, which affect both institutions and education consultants.

Modifications to PGWP Eligibility Criteria

A PGWP was once an option for overseas students in many different degree programs, giving them the chance to work in Canada when they graduate. However, to address International long-term labour needs, the new regulations restrict access to certain academic disciplines.

1. To apply for PGWP, you must fulfill linguistic requirements.
2. You can continue to participate in PGWP for up to three years after you graduate from college with a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate in any subject.
3. There are now five main categories of programs that are eligible for the PGWP:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food 
• Healthcare 
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) 
• Skilled Trades 
• Transportation

This change is part of a larger initiative by the Canadian government to fill labour shortages, but it has the unintended consequence of removing PGWP eligibility for students majoring in business, hospitality, or tourism, which have long been popular among international students. 

The Latest News about Canada PGWP Changes 

In an effort to guarantee that overseas students can make valuable contributions to important sectors, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published the PGWP-eligible program list on October 4, 2024. All bachelor's degree programs, not just those at the university level, are now subject to the new field of study requirements.

When applying for a study permit after November 1, 2024, you must ensure that you fulfill the updated criteria to be eligible for a PGWP. 

Eligibility Criteria for a PGWP

As a condition of being eligible for a PGWP, international students are required to:

• Complete a post-secondary program lasting a minimum of eight months at a qualifying Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, be it academic, vocational, or professional.
• Complete an accredited program leading to credential recognition.
• Complete the requirements at a qualifying university.
• Uphold the status of a full-time student throughout each academic session of the program utilized for the PGWP application.
• Verify your program completion with an official letter and a transcript.

Validity of a PGWP

No PGWP will be granted to programs that are less than eight months old. The duration of the study program determines the legitimacy of a PGWP.

• Validity is equivalent to the duration of the finished program for programs that last eight months or more (Master's degrees excluded). As an example, a ten-month work visa is granted to an overseas student who completes a ten-month program.
• There is a maximum validity period of three years for programs that last two years or longer.
• In 2024, PGWP implemented significant revisions that resulted in completely new requirements for Master's Programs.
• The student loses their eligibility for a PGWP if the program duration is shorter than eight months.
• The student is qualified for a three-year PGWP regardless of the program length as long as it is eight months or longer.
• The PGWP provides students with an additional year of work experience in Canada, even if the Master's program is shorter than two years. This is a great chance for students to get excellent job experience. 

Regional Incentives

The Provincial Government of Canada (PGWP) holders are now eligible for additional benefits, such as streamlined access to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and specialized employment possibilities in regions that are experiencing a scarcity of skilled workers. The purpose of this modification is to encourage graduates to investigate options outside of metropolitan hubs such as the Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver, and Montreal. 

Conclusion

To better attract and retain top talent from around the world, Canada has updated its Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Those hoping to build careers in Canada may be assured that the PGWP will continue to play an important role as it adjusts to meet the demands of both international students and the job market. If you are a student or about to graduate, taking advantage of these changes can help you have a better and safer future in one of the friendliest countries in the world.

Make the most of the chances presented by the revised PGWP program and use your time spent studying in Canada to set yourself on the path to success. If you needed, do good research and find the right immigration lawyers in Hamilton for your immigration needs.