8 Important Questions Related to the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
Post by : Admin on Jun 24,2024
The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is one of the best ways for international students to explore career opportunities in the country after completing their education. In 2024, the government introduced several changes to the program for two main purposes. First, they wanted to prevent the abuse of the program. Second, they want to align the entry of international students with the current labour market needs of the country.
The IRCC, however, conducted a survey on the changes to refine the program for eligible international students. Whether you are an international student living in Canada or want to study in Canada, the survey can come in handy to you during immigration.
A Detailed Survey of Changes in the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
According to the survey, students need to complete programs that align with the country’s labour shortages and satisfy the language requirements. These are the main criteria for international students to qualify for PGWP once their education is complete. The survey also confirmed that the study programs would be categorized according to Canada’s NOC or National Occupational Classification.
Now let’s check out the questions brought forth in the survey.
- PGWP eligibility is allegedly limited on the basis of the shortage of occupations and the subsequent programs of study. In that case, which occupations would be included on the basis of a specific area’s needs?
IRCC and ESDC have added certain jobs based on the shortage of occupations using the CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs)system. This question asks if any more jobs are to be added to the list. We can expect IRCC to add new occupations that are in demand after hearing back from educational institutions.
- Are there any exceptions to the changes in PGWP eligibility such as for graduate degree programs or francophone students?
The survey wants to clarify the exceptions to the new PGWP eligibility criteria. Earlier, Master’s and PhD students were exempted from the PGWP changes. Similarly, the occupation-based study program eligibility changes might be not applicable to specific degree programs or consider French-language proficiency.
- Is it mandatory for international students to show proof of a job offer even if it aligns with the occupational shortage list for a PGWP with a validity of over one year?
There has been a sharp increase in the number of temporary residents who are also PGWP holders. If this is a deciding factor in PGWP eligibility criteria, international students need to submit job offer proof to be able to continue working on PGWP. This is applicable to the study programs that will align with the occupational shortage list.
- Are there any other eligibility criteria besides a job offer that PGWP holders can seek to extend the permit beyond one year?
This question suggests that students may have to go through another language proficiency test or submit a provincial approval document. This would be necessary for some students to continue working on PGWP beyond the first year.
- What about applying labour market-based changes to PGWP eligibility for all graduates rather than for the ones already studying in Canada?
New government policies usually are not applicable to students already living and studying in Canada. This year, 2024, the immigration minister is ready to make a change.
The labour market eligibility criteria are going to change this year. However, the immigration department is still trying to decide whether or not to exclude existing students from these changes or not.
The Minister wants to maintain a stable and non-biased position. Thus, he is most likely to make the decision based on the responses brought forth by educational institutions.
- How frequently will the occupational shortage list be revised and how will that impact students who are already pursuing higher studies in the country?
The labour market in Canada keeps changing and so do the associated rules and laws. The department wants to know the exact frequency of the revisions and the time they should be effective.
- Do the recent changes to the PGWP align with the candidates’ profiles whom you would want to keep working in your jurisdiction for the long term?
This question aims to find out if the new changes to the PGWP eligibility will retain students in the province or region of the educational institution.
- Can the PNP provide a viable pathway for international students to attain their PR if they have job offers in the key sectors? Will the government bring changes to the PNP so they are responsive to PGWP holders and graduates in specific occupations? What about the gaps between PNP’s existing streams and the labour market needs?
This ensures that international students align with the labour market needs of the PNP and apply for permanent residence. The question also clarifies if the existing PNP streams align with the province’s labour market needs or if they need any kind of reforms.
Do You Need Help with the PGWP Program?
The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is one of the best ways for international students to study and work in Canada. However, the recent occupation-based eligibility criteria and other changes to the program can confuse some of you. In that case, experienced immigration consultants like the ones at Onkar Immigration can guide you throughout the application process and make you aware of the changes.
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