The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit granted to international students who have completed a qualifying program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. This permit allows graduates to work for any employer in Canada and is a critical step for those looking to gain Canadian work experience, which is often required for various permanent residence (PR) programs. The duration of a PGWP can range from eight months to three years, depending on the length of the study program completed.
Proposed Changes to the PGWP in 2024
The goal of re-aligning labor market needs is to facilitate access to work permits for students entering occupations in shortage while reducing access for graduates from other programs. Here’s a breakdown of the main updates:
Occupational Shortage Focus:
The synchronization of Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system will better align educational programs with labor market needs.
This adjustment aims to balance the influx of international students with the demand for skilled labor across various sectors.
International Student Cap and Temporary Resident Levels:
In January 2024, IRCC announced an international student cap and included temporary resident levels in the annual Immigration Levels Plan for the first time in history.
These measures aim to reduce stress on Canada’s social systems by managing the number of new temporary residents annually.
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