Canada expands PGWP eligibility for international students
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has broadened the range of study areas that qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). As of December 17, 2024, selected programs in early childhood education and developmental services will be recognized, marking the introduction of a new category, Education, into the eligible fields.
Previously, the guidelines, shared on October 4, 2024, categorized eligibility into five main areas that aligned with Express Entry's occupation classifications:
Including Education as a sixth category highlights IRCC’s commitment to alleviating labour shortages in essential sectors, particularly early childhood education and associated professions.
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Impact on International Students
Programs under the new Education category for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will be classified according to Canada's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. According to the updated rules enacted in September 2024, international students must complete programs related to fields experiencing long-term skill shortages to be eligible for the PGWP. Graduates holding university bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are exempt from these requirements. The revised field of study criteria will primarily affect college and university vocational program graduates; however, those who began their study permits before November 1, 2024, will not be impacted by these new rules unless changes to their study permits are required.
The PGWP serves as an open work permit, granting access to various employment opportunities in Canada, typically valid for eight months and three years, depending on the length of the academic program. This work experience is crucial for students, enhancing their eligibility for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pathway and improving their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
This effort, along with the recently implemented language requirements for PGWP eligibility, reflects IRCC’s ongoing initiatives in 2024 to refine policies that impact international students who wish to stay in Canada after graduating. Such targeted improvements aim to support the domestic job market and create a more accessible route to residency for prospective newcomers.