Proposed Reforms to Canada's PGWP Eligibility
Proposed Reforms to Canada's PGWP Eligibility
Canadian immigration officials at both federal and provincial levels are considering substantial revisions to the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria. The PGWP, an open work permit, is currently available to international students who have completed a qualifying program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
The IRCC Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024 outlines plans to align PGWP issuance with labor market demands, aiming to provide work permits primarily to students entering high-demand occupations while limiting access for graduates from less in-demand fields. The Minister will offer guidance on these changes in spring 2024, with a targeted implementation date of January 2025.
An internal survey from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to stakeholders detailed possible methods for aligning educational programs with PGWP availability and sought feedback on these approaches.
Implementing PGWP Restrictions
Details from internal documents suggest that IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) have matched job titles to educational programs to identify which programs equip international students with skills relevant to Canada's in-demand sectors. This mapping process uses Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system and the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. For example, the "carpenter" NOC is linked to study programs in construction trades, carpentry, and woodworking.
Rationale Behind PGWP Changes
IRCC aims to adjust the PGWP program to better meet labor market needs by focusing on students in shortage occupations. Since the last update in 2008, the number of PGWPs issued has surged by 214% between 2018 and 2023. Recent changes to temporary residence levels, including a cap on international students, reflect broader government efforts to reduce the strain on social systems like healthcare and housing by limiting the influx of temporary residents.
Impact on Immigration
Obtaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP is crucial for international graduates to qualify for many permanent residence (PR) programs, which often require at least one year of relevant work experience. These proposed changes could significantly affect current and future international students in Canada.
This is an evolving situation, and updates will be provided as they become available.