Canada Extends Work Permit Access for International Students
Canada has recently provided some welcome news for international students affected by changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The government has extended the enforcement of new rules to early 2026, granting temporary relief to those enrolled in non-degree college programs that risked losing PGWP eligibility.
With this extension, hundreds of diploma and certificate programs that were previously slated to be removed from the PGWP list will remain eligible for several more months. This means that students who applied for study permits between June 25 and July 4, 2025, will still qualify, despite the ongoing policy changes.
The number of PGWP-eligible programs has increased from 920 to 1,107, significantly broadening post-study work opportunities for international graduates. The PGWP allows graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada to work in any sector for up to three years, making it an important pathway to obtaining Canadian permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.
These changes come as a response to concerns raised by students and institutions regarding the swift implementation of reforms announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). On June 25, the IRCC updated the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes used to determine PGWP eligibility. This update added 119 new codes, mostly in education, while eliminating 178, including all transport-related programs. Importantly, the new rules mainly impact students who submit study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024.
By easing these requirements, Canadian authorities aim to alleviate worries among students and educational institutions, giving everyone time to adjust to the new regulations before they come into full effect in 2026.
It’s also crucial to note that students who applied for study permits before June 25, 2025, are still protected under the old rules. They will retain PGWP eligibility provided their program was valid at the time of application, regardless of any subsequent changes.
Here are some essential points to remember:
– The extension does not affect students in college bachelor’s degrees, university undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs. Those categories remain exempt from restrictions regarding PGWP eligibility.
– To qualify for a PGWP, international students must complete a program lasting at least eight months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a designated institution, maintain full-time studies except in their last semester, and apply within 180 days of receiving proof of program completion.
As you explore job opportunities in Canada, be sure to check out VisaJobsCanada.com. Every job listed on the site offers visa sponsorship, making it an ideal resource for international candidates seeking employment in Canada.
This extension is a positive step, ensuring a smoother transition for students and institutions as they adapt before the new rules take hold in a couple of years.
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