On October 4, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveiled key updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility rules for international students. This announcement follows the previous restrictions introduced in September 2024 and focuses on a significant new requirement for college graduates.
New Rules Take Effect on November 1, 2024
The IRCC has confirmed that these new rules will apply to study permit applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024. International students who applied for or currently hold study permits before this date will not be affected and will still be eligible for a PGWP under the previous guidelines. However, for those applying after November 1, 2024, the most notable change involves a mandatory “field of study” requirement for certain college programs.
Changes for College Graduates
Under the new rules, graduates of certain college programs will need to complete their studies in an eligible field to qualify for a PGWP. The eligible programs are confined to five key sectors:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Skilled Trades
- Transportation
IRCC has provided a comprehensive list of 966 college programs that fall under these categories. College graduates must ensure they choose a program from this list if they intend to stay in Canada and work post-graduation.
No Impact on University Graduates
Graduates of university degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, are unaffected by these changes. They will continue to be eligible for PGWPs of up to three years without the need to meet any specific field of study requirements. However, other university graduates from programs outside the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees will need to adhere to the new field of study rule.
Why the Changes?
The new field of study requirement is designed to align Canada’s immigration policies with its labor market needs. These fields reflect occupations targeted in Express Entry category-based draws and focus on sectors experiencing talent shortages in Canada.
Key Takeaways:
- The new PGWP rules come into effect on November 1, 2024.
- College graduates must now graduate from an eligible program in one of five key sectors to qualify.
- University graduates holding bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees are exempt from this field of study requirement.
- All applicants must prove adequate language proficiency.
International students planning to study in Canada should carefully review their options to ensure their field of study qualifies for a PGWP if they wish to remain and work in the country post-graduation.
For more details or to check if your program is eligible, visit the IRCC website or consult with an immigration consultant.
