Key Highlights:

  • Consultations are underway between Canadian immigration officials and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program regarding reforms.
  • Improving the program’s fit with the demands of Canada’s labor market is the aim.
  • By January 2025, changes might be put into effect, which would greatly impact international students.

We all know that the growing number of international students seeking work experience in Canada after completing their studies is largely due to the country’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This program has granted graduates of any post-secondary program an open work permit for more than 15 years, increasing the number of international students enrolled in Canadian universities. However, as the nation’s economy continues to change and PGWP participation increases by 214% between 2018 and 2023, the government is thinking of making major changes to the program to make sure it still meets the needs of the labor market today.

What is Being Done?

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the International Recovery and Compensation Commission (IRCC) have both

Mapped Out Job Titles According to Study Programs: This aids in determining which academic programs give foreign students the necessary training and experience for fields in demand in the Canadian economy.

Synchronized Systems: The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system and the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system in Canada are synchronized. In Canada, the NOC system is used to classify and categorize occupations, while the CIP system classifies educational programs according to their field of study.

Why the Changes?

Because the objectives of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are:

  • Match PGWP eligibility to in-demand professions.
  • Increase the likelihood that foreign students will obtain employment that is in line with their higher education and training in Canada.

These goals are part of a larger plan to guarantee that foreign graduates can contribute to the Canadian economy, especially in fields where there is a severe labor shortage.

Feedback and Consultation

The IRCC has started corresponding with Canadian peak organizations as well as provincial and territorial governments. They’ve sent out a survey to get feedback on several important issues, such as:

  • Based on local labor needs, which professions should be given priority for PGWP eligibility?
  • Do PGWP holders need to provide evidence of a job offer to renew their permits for a period longer than a year?

The Immigration Minister, Mr. Marc Miller, is anticipated to receive advice by late Spring 2024, and possible implementation could take place in January 2025. The input will aid in shaping the final policy changes.

In what ways does this benefit international students? Take place in January 2025.

These modifications may result in foreign students choosing study programs and applying for student visas to Canada more specifically to meet the needs of the country’s labor market. Although some may see these changes as restrictive, they give students the chance to concentrate on in-demand fields and improve their chances of finding employment in Canada.

Canada continues to be a top option for international students because of its high-caliber education and employment prospects. The impending adjustments are intended to increase its allure and include a guarantee that graduates will be successful in the Canadian labor market. The nation seeks to remain competitive and draw in the greatest talent by coordinating education with the demands of the labor market. International students need to be aware of these changes as they present an opportunity to align their education with professional success.

We at KC Overseas Education see this change as an opportunity to direct students toward courses that have a robust employment market. Students who major in fields with high demand may feel more confident about their futures in Canada. Students will be able to easily navigate these changes, apply to the right programs, and realize their full potential in Canada’s job market with the support of our committed staff and individualized guidance.

Make a plan for your future Canadian higher education and learn more about these developments by getting in touch with Our study abroad consultants in Colombo if you want to study in Canada, study in USA, study in Australia or any other destination. Book a Free Consultation.