Post-Graduation Work Permits Review First Time in 10 Years
Post by : Admin on Nov 15,2023
IRCC announced major changes to the International Student Program on 27th October. These updates would create a better framework for IRCC to protect the students from fraud. This announcement marks the first review of the PGWP or Post-Graduation Work Permit in ten years. The changes will not only benefit students but also the DLIs or Designated Learning Institutes in Canada. It will be effective anytime in the coming months.
What are the New Changes in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Review?
All the changes focus on strengthening the program. The DLIs will need to confirm the acceptance of the letter of each applicant directly with IRCC. This will leave no space for errors or fraud. The Government will be able to issue study permits based on legit acceptance letters only.
IRCC will also adopt a recognized institution framework by the 2024 fall semester. The DLIs can then process the study permit applications on a priority basis.
IRCC is expected to complete the assessment of PGWP in the coming months. They will bring forth specific reforms according to the needs of the country’s labour market.
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?
The PGWP lets you work for any Canadian employer. You need to complete an eligible post-secondary program in Canada to be able to apply for this program. The permit is usually valid for up to three years. However, it varies depending on the course duration of your Canadian educational program.
Legit work experience is crucial for international students to apply for permanent residence in Canada. And PGWP is the best way to achieve that.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for PGWP?
International students need to meet the following criteria to apply for PGWP.
You need to complete a professional training, vocational or academic program at a legit DLI. The program should be at least eight months long and reward you with a degree or diploma.
The DLI should provide you with a legitimate transcript and an official letter conveying that you have met all the requirements for the program.
You need to show your full-time status as an international student in every academic session of your program.
You can also graduate from a public post-secondary institution like a trade school or college to be able to apply for this program.
Remember:
The government nullified the full-time student status requirement during the pandemic for specific international students. Exceptions include those who are studying in March 2020 or between Spring 2020 and Summer 2022. It also doesn’t apply to students who took a break from studies in the final session.
PGWP Growth Statistics
PGWP is highly popular in Canada. Firstly, it lets international students earn work experience. Second, the country gets an opportunity to fill its labour shortages.
According to Statistics Canada, the total number of PGWP holders increased from 10,300 to 64,700 between 2008 and 2018. In fact, the data shows that number of PGWP holders increase every year in Canada.
At least 286,000 international graduates had a valid PGWP at the end of 2022. Several PGWP holders get permanent residence every year. 157,000 students got their PR in 2021 while 95,000 in 2022.
Need Help With Study Permits in Canada?
The PGWP review will make things a lot easier for eligible international students and the Canadian Government. It will enable the faster processing of study permit applications and reduce the chances of student fraud.
If you need any help with the study permit application in Alberta or Edmonton, we have got your back. Share your study goals with our team and we will guide you accordingly.
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