Canada Government Announces New Rules For Work Permits

Canada Makes Changes to Work Permit Rules for International Students

Good news for international students in Canada.

The Canadian government has made some changes to the rules for getting a work permit after graduation.

This is called a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Calling all international students in Canada – or those considering studying here.

The Canadian government recently introduced some exciting changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

This is fantastic news for graduates who want to stay in Canada and gain valuable work experience after completing their studies.

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the new PGWP rules,

Here’s what you need to know:

• Longer Work Permits: Students who finish programs that last 2 years or more can now get a 3-year PGWP. This is great because it gives you more time to find a job in Canada.
• Shorter Master’s Degrees: Even if your Master’s degree program is less than 2 years long, you can still get a 3-year PGWP! This applies as long as your program was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours in Quebec).
• Some Programs Not Eligible: Starting May 15, 2024, students enrolled in “course licensing agreement” programs won’t be eligible for a PGWP.
• Temporary Rules Extended: Special rules for online programs and PGWP validity are being extended until August 31, 2024.

What is a PGWP?

PGWP stands for Post-Graduation Work Permit. It is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) to stay in Canada and work for a temporary period after graduation.

Benefits of PGWP:

• Gain valuable work experience: A PGWP lets you gain experience in your field in Canada. This experience can improve your resume and make you a more attractive candidate for future jobs in Canada or abroad.
• Qualify for permanent residence: Work experience gained with a PGWP can help you qualify for permanent residence in Canada under certain immigration programs.
• Open work permit: A PGWP is an open work permit. This means you can work for any employer in Canada and change jobs as many times as you want during the validity period of your permit.
• Explore career options in Canada: With a PGWP, you can explore different career options in Canada and see if you like working in your field before applying for permanent residence.

How to Qualify for a PGWP?

To get a PGWP, you need to:

• Graduate from a program at a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is a school approved by the Canadian government to accept international students.
• Complete a program that lasts at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec).
• Want to stay in Canada temporarily to work.

How to Apply for a PGWP?

You can apply for a PGWP online. Before you apply, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.

Where to Get More Information?

You can find more information about PGWPs on the Canadian government website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html

REGISTER HERE

Important FAQs:

Q: When do the new PGWP rules come into effect? 

The new rules for Master’s degrees came into effect on February 15, 2024. However, the change for “course licensing agreement” programs starts on May 15, 2024.

Q: Can I still apply for a PGWP if I started a “course licensing agreement” program before May 15, 2024? 

Yes, if you began your program before the deadline, you can still be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation.

Q: What if my program is less than 8 months long? 

Unfortunately, you won’t be eligible for a PGWP unless your program is at least 8 months long (or 900 hours in Quebec).

Q: How much does it cost to apply for a PGWP? 

There is a fee to apply for a PGWP. You can find the latest information on the Canadian government website.

Overall, these changes make it easier for international students to stay and work in Canada after graduation. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience and potentially build a career in Canada!