Drastic Changes in the Approval Process for Post-Graduation Work Permits

A survey undertaken by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could provide insight into the future of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This is an ongoing story based on a report from The Star. At this time, IRCC has not committed to making any modifications to the PGWP program, but here is what we know so far.

Key Takeaways – What Could the Changes Mean for International Students?

• PGWP may be designated for international students who graduate from programs that address a labor shortage.
• To be eligible for a PGWP, international students may be required to demonstrate language proficiency.

According to The Star, Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s agency sent out a one-page survey to colleges and universities around the country. Based on the questions asked and an IRCC internal briefing document, we can deduce that IRCC is preparing significant modifications to PGWP eligibility.

What Questions Were Asked During the Survey?

The poll included questions designed to gather stakeholder feedback on potential modifications to the PGWP eligibility rules. Questions included:

• If PGWP eligibility were limited entirely to vocations in short supply and accompanying programs of study, which occupations should be included based on the needs in your region?
• Which cohorts, if any, should be excused from these modifications, such as francophone students, graduate degree programs, or others? Please provide a rationale.
• Should overseas students be obliged to provide documentation of a job offer associated with the occupational shortage list to maintain a PGWP for more than one year?
• Should any further eligibility criteria (language, provincial support, etc.) be imposed to PGWP holders who want to extend their permit for more than a year?
• What are your thoughts on implementing labour market-based adjustments to PGWP eligibility to all graduates when they are announced this year, rather than grandfathering students who are currently studying in Canada at the time of implementation?
• How often should the occupational shortage list be updated, and when should it be applied to students who are currently enrolled?
• Do the improvements to the PGWP being considered match the profile of people you want to keep working in your jurisdictions in the long run?
• Is your [Provincial Nominee Programme] set up to provide a feasible path to permanent residency for international graduates who have job offers in these major sectors?

What Can We Learn from These Questions?

The most important conclusion from the questions is that IRCC intends to limit the PGWP to individuals who graduate from programs that address a labor market shortfall. They are willing to make some exceptions, most likely for French speakers or those taking a graduate course, as indicated by the questions.

A key potential adjustment would be to make the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) contingent on obtaining a work offer or demonstrating appropriate language competency. This option is being examined based on the survey questions. The PGWP has historically been an open work permit, which means that the holder does not need a job offer to apply. Making the PGWP conditional on a job offer would make obtaining a job offer and subsequent PGWP even more difficult.

Finally, people already studying in Canada who expect to be spared from these changes should not bet on it. IRCC specifically asked colleges and universities if they believe any restrictions on PGWP eligibility should apply to all international students, both current and prospective, or if current students should be grandfathered, which means that current PGWP rules will apply to current students.

When might future changes to the PGWP take effect?

According to an IRCC internal briefing note, the goal of realigning the PGWP program to better meet specified labor market demands and immigration objectives should be implemented in January 2025.

Why Would the IRCC Change PGWP Eligibility Requirements?

If implemented, this will be one of many adjustments abroad students have faced this year. IRCC cut the amount of foreign study permits, prohibited graduates from curriculum licensing arrangement programs under the PGWP, and limited SOWPs to spouses of Masters, Professional, and Doctoral candidates earlier this year. To safeguard the International Student Program, several changes were made.

These new changes are aimed at “re-aligning labor market needs to facilitate access to work permits for students entering shortage occupations while reducing access for graduates from other programs.” The internal briefing document dated May 24, 2024, states that strict tapering of programs with poor labor market relevance might significantly reduce international students and PGWP holders.

Which programs could be included if they are linked to labor shortages?

If the IRCC limits the PGWP to specific programs, it is impossible to determine which ones. We can see provincial shortages by looking at which occupations Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs) target. One targeted draw in Ontario welcomed 244 Early Childhood Educators and Assistants. In June 2024, British Columbia held targeted draws for childcare, technology, and construction workers.

Express Entry’s category-based draws target occupations, which may reveal which programs may be targeted. The category-based approach targets 82 vocations and French-speaking applicants.

This could indicate that programs in these industries are safe.

Will the proposed changes affect current international students?

It is unclear whether current international students will be impacted by this adjustment. If the changes affect current students, and they are unable to get a PGWP, international students should consider alternative options to stay in Canada after graduation. Examples include:

1. Examine available permanent residence paths, such as PNPs or Express Entry, and prioritize establishing employment in Canada as soon as possible. Currently, international students can work up to 20 hours per week off campus during term time.
2. Gaining work experience as a student may position you well to continue working for that company, especially if you need a Labour Market Impact Assessment to obtain a work visa.

We understand that these latest revisions will cause tremendous anxiety for both existing and potential international students; nevertheless, this is an unfolding story, and no formal modifications to the PGWP have been issued. We will do our best to keep our community informed as new updates are available.

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