8 New Regulations for PGWP International Students : New IRCC Update

Canada’s Immigration authorities are discussing changes to the eligibility of PGWP Post-Graduation Work Permit), which is granted to international students who have completed an eligible study program in Canada.
The Deputy Minister of IRCC, Transition Binder, has stated, “Canada’s Immigration System is looking to align the issuance of the Post-Graduation Work Permit with the labour market needs.” The proposed policy aims to improve work permit access for international students entering Canada’s shortage occupations, while decreasing it for students from other programs.
However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sent stakeholders an internal survey document outlining methods for aligning educational programs with PGWP availability.
How would the IRCC implement these new PGWP restrictions?
There is no clear information about how the immigration authority will implement these changes. However, the internal survey revealed some information about these changes.
The IRCC and ESDC have mapped job titles to study programs to identify relevant educational programs for international students to contribute to the Canadian economy’s in-demand sectors.
The Classification of Instrumental Program (CIP) system and the National Occupation Classification of Canada will be synchronized in order to achieve this. Under this, the NOC will help classify and categorise Canadian occupations. On the other hand, the Classification of Instrumental Program(CIP) will perform similar steps for educational programs, as it will classify them by field of study.
Why is the IRCC implementing these changes to the PGWP Program?
The PGWP program was last modified in Canada in 2008. Before 2018, overseas graduates received open work permits based on the length of their studies, with a 214% increase between 2018 and 2023.
Therefore, Canada prioritizes hiring international skilled professionals as permanent residents or citizens if their educational backgrounds align with the Skilled Occupation in-demand list
New updates to the PGWP Program for Foreign Students
The following information explains the eight new changes in the PGWP Program for International students.
- Eligibility as Occupation-in-Demand
The immigration authority of Canada IRCC (Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada) plans to adjust PGWP eligibility based on high-demand occupations, requiring students to complete study programs aligned with these occupations to equip graduates with the necessary skills.
- Language Proficiency Requirements
There are some new language proficiency requirements for PGWP eligibility. Under this, international students should demonstrate a particular level of language proficiency in English or French. The requirements aim to ensure that the graduates can effectively communicate in the Canadian workplace and integrate themselves into Canadian society.
- Proof of Valid Job Offer
Under this, the candidates must provide evidence of a valid job offer in Canada’s in-demand occupation to extend their post-graduation work permit beyond one year.
It would help the immigration authorities ensure that the graduates find various employment opportunities in their field of study and are motivated to contribute to the Canadian economy.
- Extra Requirement of Eligibility
It may be necessary to add other eligibility requirements, including provincial assistance or additional language testing. Students must fulfil specific requirements to continue their PGWP over the first year. It aims to ensure that the graduates are ready for the Canadian workforce.
- Immediate Implementation of New Changes
IRCC plans to apply adjustments to all new graduates upon announcement rather than grandfathering in current students. It implies that all students must fulfil the new qualifying requirements of PGWP, irrespective of when they begin their studies.
- Regular Review of Canada’s NOC List
The NOC Code list of Canada will be reviewed daily to stay updated with the changing needs of the labour market. Employers and educational institutions will be among the stakeholders contacted to decide how frequently these changes should be made. The aim is to ensure that the PGWP program continues to be sensitive to the demands of the Canadian economy.
- Alignment to Provincial Requirements
The new PGWP eligibility requirements will be made to consider the unique requirements of various provinces. It implies that students will have a higher probability of landing a job and relocating to a province over the long term if they study in one with specific labour market needs. This alignment contributes to ensuring that the PGWP initiative fosters regional economic growth.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
It would facilitate the transition to permanent residency for international students who secure employment in essential industries. This strategy helps Canada achieve its objective of drawing in and keeping talented workers.
Conclusion
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced eight new regulations for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program for international students. The changes aim to align the issuance of PGWP with labour market needs, allowing international students to enter occupations in shortage and reducing access to other programs.
The changes include eligibility as an Occupation-in-Demand, language proficiency requirements, proof of a valid job offer, extra eligibility requirements, and the transition to permanent residency.
For more details about the same, contact Province Immigration via info@provinceimmigration.com or +91 98961 96762