Canada Post-Grad Work Permit Rules: No New Restrictions
Exciting news for international students in Canada! Recent updates from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicate that changes to the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) have been postponed. This means you can still access valuable work opportunities after completing your studies.
The PGWP is a work permit that allows students who graduate from eligible Canadian institutions to gain practical work experience in the country. Initially, IRCC announced that as of June 25, some non-degree programs linked to 178 fields of study would no longer qualify for this vital permit. The rationale for this decision was that these programs were not directly related to occupations experiencing long-term labour shortages.
That said, while 178 programs were removed from eligibility, IRCC also introduced 119 new programs in critical sectors, such as health care, education, and trades, bringing the total to a robust 920 eligible fields for the PGWP. It seems like IRCC has reassessed the situation and decided to hold off on these changes until next year, which is certainly good news!
On July 4, IRCC confirmed that the previously removed 178 fields of study would remain eligible for the PGWP until the next update in early 2026. If you applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4 for one of those programs, you’ll still meet the eligibility criteria upon graduation. This extension effectively increases the total number of programs eligible for the PGWP to a welcoming 1,095.
This delay gives international students the chance to finish their programs and gain valuable experience in Canada—a significant benefit when considering applying for jobs in the Canadian workforce. If you’re exploring job opportunities here while on a PGWP, our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. You’ll find that every listing includes visa support, making it easier for you to get a foot in the door.
The changes come amidst a backdrop of new Express Entry categories announced earlier this year, aimed at better addressing the labour market needs in Canada. These pathways can be instrumental for international job seekers looking to establish themselves here.
In summary, if you’re an international student in Canada, this recent development with the PGWP offers you more opportunities to gain work experience and ease your transition into the Canadian job market. Keep an eye on your eligibility as these updates continue to unfold, and take advantage of the new opportunities available to you.
Have your say!
Got a question, opinion, or experience to share about working in Canada? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.