How Foreign Students Will Benefit From Change In PGWP?

Canada is one of the preferred destinations for Indian students. As the cost of living and other expenses increased in the US, Canada started seeing a preference among Indians. However, India and Canada are seeing some tense scenes. As an example of this, Canada processed fewer student visas from India in Q4.

On top of this, the Canadian administration took a few decisions as the inflow of international students has been increasing. Amid this, the Canadian Administration took a key decision on the work permit for the students.

A big change was made to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) for all international students. Students who complete the PG program which is two years long would also be eligible for the 3 years PGWPP. The new changes came into effect from the 15th of this month.

This can be seen as a big decision as far as the opportunities for the students are concerned. Not every PG course will be of three years and some of them will be completed in two years. These students were missing out on the opportunities.

But this was changed and students who completed a PG course under two years will also be eligible for the post-graduation work permit program (PGWP). However, the students should have all the criteria under the program.

PGWP is a work permit that allows foreign students to work across the country after completing their studies. They will have the flexibility to select the hours they want to work.

However, starting September 1, 2024, students enrolled in curriculum licensing agreement programs will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. In addition, the special measures for distance learning and PGWP validity have been extended until August 31, 2024.

The students who have already enrolled themselves in the curriculum licensing agreement programs starting from the 1st of September this year are not eligible for the PGWP.