International Desk: The Government of Canada is set to introduce significant changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program, a move that is expected to affect many foreign students, particularly those from India. These forthcoming changes aim to tighten the eligibility criteria for work permits, potentially making it more challenging for international graduates to secure employment in Canada.
Currently, the PGWP program allows international students who have completed their studies at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada to work in their field of study for a period ranging from eight months to three years. This flexibility has contributed to Canada's popularity as a destination for international students, especially from India.
Planned Changes to the PGWP Program
According to reports from the Indian Express, Canada plans to restrict the PGWP scheme to a limited number of students. The new rules will likely prioritize candidates from regions experiencing labor shortages, ensuring that the program's benefits are directed toward sectors in need of workers. This approach will enable international graduates to gain relevant work experience and help fill gaps in the labor market.
Consultation with Local Governments
The Canadian government has initiated consultations with local authorities to align PGWP eligibility with labor market demands. The objective is to ensure that the program supports graduates who can contribute to sectors facing workforce shortages. A briefing paper from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) dated May 24 outlines the government's strategy to reshape the PGWP program to better meet targeted labor market needs.
Key Considerations in the New Scheme
The IRCC is considering several aspects in its revision of the PGWP program, including:
- Eligibility Criteria: Identifying specific sectors that should be eligible for PGWP based on labor market needs.
- Exemptions: Evaluating whether certain groups, such as francophone students or those enrolled in graduate programs, should be exempt from the new restrictions.
- Job Offers: Discussing the possibility of requiring international students to secure a job offer to extend their PGWP beyond one year.
Timeline for Implementation
The government aims to finalize these changes by the end of 2024, with the goal of implementing the new rules by January 2025. This shift comes as Indian students constitute a significant portion of the international student population in Canada, with 40% of study permit holders in 2023 being from India.
Implications for Future Applicants
The re-alignment of the PGWP program is intended to address labor market needs, making it difficult for candidates not from areas with labor shortages to obtain a work permit. Canada's objective is to distribute the benefits of the PGWP in a manner that addresses worker shortages and supports the national labor market.