Effective February 15, 2024, the Canadian government has implemented changes to the criteria for the post-graduation work programme (PGWP) for international students. Under the new regulations, students who have completed a master’s degree programme within two years will now be eligible for a three-year PGWP, provided they meet all other qualification criteria.
However, Canada has also announced on its official website that starting September 1, 2024, foreign students enrolled in the curriculum licensing agreement scheme will no longer qualify for the PGWP. This adjustment aims to streamline the eligibility process and ensure the programme’s effectiveness moving forward.
Additionally, Canada has confirmed that the extraordinary measures introduced for distance learning and PGWP will remain in effect, providing continued support and flexibility for international students amidst evolving circumstances.
The PGWP, designed as an open work permit, grants international students the freedom to work anywhere in Canada for any employer, without restrictions on hours. The duration of the PGWP is determined by factors such as the level and length of the student’s studies and the expiry date of their passport, whichever comes first.
Eligibility for the PGWP requires graduates to have attended a designated learning institution (DLI) and express a temporary intent to work in Canada. DLIs are educational institutions approved by Canada’s provincial or territorial governments to host international students. Prospective candidates must verify their eligibility by consulting the DLI list before applying for the PGWP.
