Changes to eligibility criteria for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) in Canada.

The International Relations and Cooperation Council (IRCC) has also announced modifications to the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.

Specifically, beginning in September 2024, international students enrolled in study programs that are part of curriculum licensing agreements will not be eligible for the PGWP.

The IRCC explains that, although these programs have drawn international students in recent years, they have less oversight than public colleges and thus are a loophole to eligibility for the Post Graduation Work Permit.

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration has also announced that foreign students who have completed master’s programs or other short graduate-level programs will be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit.

Currently, the duration of a PGWP is determined by the length of the individual’s study program. This restriction significantly affects master’s students because it reduces the amount of time they have to obtain Canadian work experience before applying for permanent residence.

Further information about open work permits for international students’ spouses will also be released.

The spouses of international students in other levels of study, such as undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible to apply for spousal sponsorship.

According to the IRCC, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.

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