Changed Rules for Postgraduate Work Permit in Canada

The Canadian government is all set to change postgraduate work permit rules as of February 15, 2024. As per the new rule, all master's degree students, including those with a degree less than 2 years (minimum 8 months) are now eligible to get a 3-year post graduate work permit in Canada. However, those studying in curriculum licensing agreement programs will no longer get PGWP after September 1, 2024. In addition to this, the validity to get PGWP for distance learning courses has been extended to August 31, 2024.

The length of postgraduate work permit in Canada depends on the program length and passport validity. In case the passport validation expires before PGWP starts, the immigration department of Canada will issue a PGWP until the passport validity. However, a passport extension request can be made if the Canadian Immigration department allows.

International students can be eligible for PGWP if they graduate from a designated learning institution and wish to stay temporarily in Canada to work. However, simply graduating from DLI won't make an individual eligible for PGWP. International students are advised to check the eligible DLI programs for postgraduate work permit in Canada.

All graduates seeking postgraduate work permit are encouraged to apply before their Canada study permit expires. The graduates must apply for PGWP within 180 days after their graduation. Application for PGWP can be submitted from abroad if graduates leave Canada after graduation.