International students pursuing master’s programs of less than two years can now apply for a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Previously, the duration of a granted PGWP was tied to the length of the study program. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded qualifying criteria for master’s students to obtain extended work permits, recognizing their potential for success in the Canadian labor market.
PGWPs awarded to students enrolled in programs other than master’s level will align with the program’s duration, which is limited to three years, according to the article.
Furthermore, students enrolled in PGWP-qualified designated learning institutions (DLIs) with programs lasting at least two years are eligible for an extended three-year PGWP.
In the coming weeks, IRCC will also alter laws on spousal work permits for overseas undergraduate students.
As a result, only students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees will be eligible for a spousal work permit.
This modification will not affect open work permits for spouses or conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
What are the PGWP eligibility criteria?
For international students to qualify for a PGWP, they must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of studies in an academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least eight months at a designated learning institution (DLI) eligible for PGWP issuance.
- Enrollment in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Maintenance of full-time student status in Canada throughout each academic session of the completed program or programs of study, as indicated on the PGWP application (with certain exceptions permitted).
- Provision of a transcript and an official letter from an eligible DLI confirming fulfilment of program requirements, both of which must be included in the PGWP application.
- Have graduated from a public post-secondary institution such as a:
- College;
- Trade or technical school;
- University;
- CEGEP (in Quebec);
- Private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec;
- Private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer and results in the issuance of a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de specialization professionnelle (ASP); or
- Canadian private schools that can award degrees under provincial law (for example, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate) but only if the student was enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree as authorized by the province.
Starting September 2024, certain students will no longer be eligible to apply for a PGWP.
These students are enrolled in a curriculum licensing scheme, which allows a private institution to deliver a public college’s curriculum.
