Canada’s current modifications to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) qualification laws offer significant advantages for international students.
The eradication of the area of study cap makes it simpler for college graduates to apply for work permits, which could result in ideal professional prospects and routes to permanent residence.
In 2025, the Post-Graduation Work Permit will allow international students more flexibility in selecting their professional routes and more time to remain and get employed in Canada after concluding their programs.
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Expanded Post-Graduation Work Permit Qualification Measure: What Is New
Under the new laws, Canada has extended the Postgraduate Work Permit, eliminating the past conditions that restricted graduates to specific research areas.
This modification is primarily effective for international students and represents a massive aspect of Canada’s student body.
Currently, students who finish their studies in any bachelor’s or master’s course are qualified for a postgraduate work permit, despite their area of research.
Major Updates To PGWP Qualification
| Classification | Past Conditions |
New Conditions (Post 1st November 2024) |
| Area of Study | Limited to certain areas | There are no caps on the area of study for bachelor’s and master’s graduates |
| Language skill | Not stipulated | CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates |
| Program term | N/A | 8 months to 24 months, aligning work permit period; 24 months to 36 months work permit |
These modifications elevate the adjustability of international graduates in Canada to seek a profession in their desired area without being restricted to a particular educational field.
Effect On International Student Registration
The law change is anticipated to elevate prospects for several international students seeking to remain and get employed in Canada after their studies.
Hence, the policy changes also introduce new caps, mainly for students who apply for study permits after 1 November 2024.
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Due to this, new international student registrations saw a sharp 60% reduction in 2024. This has resulted in a few program revocations and employment layoffs, mainly in Ontario.
Exclusions And Special Considerations
| Exclusion And Consideration |
Information |
| Students who started studies before November 2024 | Excluded from area-of-study caps |
| Flight school graduates | Post-graduation work Permit qualification stays without language or area limits |
| Courses under curriculum certification agreements | Typically unqualified for Post Graduation Work Permit, post-May 15, 2024 |
While these deliberations impact students, the modifications hugely benefit international students, who currently have increased prospects of obtaining work skills in their preferred areas.
What This Means For International Students
The new Post-Graduation Work Permit qualification laws majorly affect international students, simplifying transitioning from their studies to the Canadian workforce. Some of the significant benefits include:
- Additional employment adjustability: After concluding their studies, international graduates can seek occupations in any area, improving their work prospects in Canada.
- Prolonged work permits: Graduates of a master’s program or higher are currently qualified for a three-year work permit, which offers additional time to obtain job skills.
- Work while studying: International graduates can work 20 hours weekly during educational conditions and full time during holidays, assisting them in obtaining financially autonomous and beneficial job skills.
- Simpler transition to permanent residency: The expanded work permit duration assists international students in developing the skills required to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
The Canadian authority’s extended Post Graduation Work Permit qualification is a positive step forward in enticing skilled international talent, gaining both students and the Canadian economy.
Canada’s extension of the PGWP qualification offers significant benefits for international students seeking to transition from education to employment in Canada.
