The Canadian government has updated its policies regarding the validity of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students who complete more than one program of study in Canada. These changes clarify the eligibility criteria and the duration of the PGWP issued to students who graduate from multiple programs.
If you are planning to study in Canada and apply for a PGWP, it is important to understand the new guidelines set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These rules determine how long your PGWP will be valid based on the number and type of programs you have completed.
Key Points Covered in This Guide
- Rules for students who complete multiple programs
- General eligibility requirements for obtaining a PGWP
- Additional criteria based on your level of study
- How visasolutions4u can assist with your PGWP application
How PGWP Duration is Determined for Students Completing Multiple Programs
If you have completed more than one PGWP-eligible program, you may qualify for a longer work permit, up to a maximum of three years. The IRCC refers to this as "program stacking", where two eligible programs from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) are combined to extend the PGWP duration.
To be eligible for an extended PGWP under program stacking, both programs must meet the following conditions:
- Each program must be at least 8 months long.
- Both programs must be completed within two years of each other.
The table below explains how different study scenarios impact the validity of a PGWP:
| Study Situation | PGWP Duration |
|---|---|
| Completing two PGWP-eligible programs | PGWP will be issued based on the total duration of both programs |
| Completing a non-PGWP-eligible program first and a PGWP-eligible program second | PGWP duration is based only on the eligible program |
| Completing a PGWP-eligible program first and a non-PGWP-eligible program second | PGWP duration is based only on the eligible program |
If only one of your programs is PGWP-eligible, your work permit will be issued based on that single program's duration. Additionally, if the PGWP-eligible program is completed first, you must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving your program completion confirmation.
What Makes a Program Eligible for a PGWP?
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, the program you complete must meet several requirements:
- The program must be at least eight months long.
- It must not be delivered through a curriculum licensing agreement.
- The program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- It should be an academic, vocational, or professional training program.
- It must be completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Institutions That Qualify as a DLI
- Public colleges, universities, and trade schools
- CEGEPs in Quebec
- Private post-secondary schools in Quebec operate under the same rules as public schools
- Private secondary or post-secondary schools in Quebec offering programs of at least 900 hours
- Canadian private schools authorized to award degrees under provincial law
Only institutions designated as DLIs are authorized to accept international students, and only these institutions can offer programs that qualify for a PGWP.
New Rules for PGWP Eligibility Based on Study Level
As of November 1, 2024, IRCC has introduced new PGWP eligibility criteria that include language proficiency requirements and restrictions based on fields of study.
The eligibility rules depend on when the student applied for their study permit:
| Level of Study | Study Permit Applied Before Nov. 1, 2024 | Study Permit Applied After Nov. 1, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Programs | CLB/NCLC level 7 in English or French | CLB/NCLC level 7 in English or French |
| University Programs (Other than Above) | CLB/NCLC level 7 in English or French | CLB/NCLC level 7 in English or French + Must be from an eligible field of study |
| College or Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC level 5 in English or French | CLB/NCLC level 5 in English or French + Must be from an eligible field of study |
Students applying for a study permit after November 1, 2024, must ensure their field of study meets the new PGWP eligibility requirements.
Why These PGWP Changes Matter for International Students
Understanding the new PGWP rules is crucial for students planning to study in Canada. These changes impact:
- The duration of the PGWP based on multiple programs
- The language proficiency required for different study levels
- The need for certain students to choose an eligible field of study
If you are considering applying for a PGWP, it is essential to ensure your program and institution meet the updated criteria.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help with Your PGWP Application
Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be a complex process, especially with the new eligibility rules. visasolutions4u can assist you by:
- Evaluating Your PGWP Eligibility:
- Guiding You on Program Selection:
- Application Assistance:
- Language and Field of Study Requirements:
- Post-PGWP Support:
We assess your program of study and institution type to determine your work permit eligibility.
We help you choose the right PGWP-eligible programs to maximize your work permit duration.
Our experts guide you through the PGWP application process, ensuring you submit all required documents correctly.
We provide insights on meeting language proficiency criteria and selecting the right fields of study.
We assist with pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) after your PGWP expires.
If you need professional guidance for your PGWP application, contact visasolutions4u today for expert assistance.
Conclusion
The latest PGWP eligibility changes introduced by the Canadian government directly affect international students completing multiple programs. Understanding how these rules apply to your study plans will help you make informed decisions about your education and future work opportunities in Canada.
By selecting a PGWP-eligible institution and meeting language and field of study requirements, students can maximize their chances of securing a valid PGWP. If you need expert guidance, Visa Solutions 4u is here to help you navigate the PGWP application process smoothly and successfully.
Start your journey to obtaining a PGWP in Canada with Visa Solutions 4u today!
