In a recent announcement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clarified that students changing their study program and extending their study permits will no longer retain their ‘grandfathered’ eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
This clarification stems from new requirements that came into effect on 1 November 2024.
‘Grandfathering’ no longer guaranteed
Under the previous rules, students with study permits issued before November 1 were ‘grandfathered’, meaning they remained eligible for the PGWP even if their program of study was not aligned with the updated criteria. However, this status now changes for students extending their permits.
The IRCC stated during a webinar on November 29 that any extension of a study permit tied to a change in the program of study will nullify the grandfathered status. Students “must meet the field of study requirements… to be eligible for a PGWP,” it was emphasised.
New language and field requirements
The updated PGWP rules, announced in October and swiftly implemented in November, introduced eligibility criteria based on a list of 966 study programs aligned with Canada’s labour market needs. Notably, applications for the PGWP submitted after November 1 must meet these requirements, including new language proficiency benchmarks. Exceptions are limited to specific cases, such as flight school graduates.
For university-level bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, all fields of study remain eligible for PGWPs. However, other university programs and all college-level programs must align with the designated fields to qualify.
Impact on students and stakeholders
Instances requiring study permit extensions are commonplace. Students often extend their permits due to changing study programs, unforeseen academic delays, or other reasons. Stakeholders, including students and immigration consultants, have expressed concern over the abruptness and potential implications of these changes. On LinkedIn, several voiced their dismay at the perceived “short-sightedness” of the policy, arguing it fails to account for the realities of academic journeys.
Despite the IRCC’s announcements, the practical implementation of the new rules remains unclear. Consultants noted that evidence of enforcement may only become apparent with the first batch of PGWP applicants affected by the changes, expected in mid-2025.
Minister highlights Immigration integrity
Addressing the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) conference in November, Immigration Minister Marc Miller defended the changes, citing the need to protect the immigration system’s integrity. “The awarding of a post-graduate work permit is a privilege,” he said. “My foremost concern is the integrity of the immigration system, dealing with fraud, and ensuring our international visa programme operates as intended.”
Sector leaders have supported aligning PGWP opportunities with labour market needs. However, many details of the policy continue to raise questions, particularly in an already volatile sector influenced by rising costs and shifting student preferences.
Broader implications for int'l education
Canada remains one of the top destinations for international students, but recent policy changes, including stricter PGWP requirements and the termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), have led some students to reconsider their choices. As traditional study destinations face increasing scrutiny over affordability and access, emerging alternatives may gain traction among international students seeking high-quality education and career prospects.
The full impact of these changes is yet to unfold, but stakeholders are calling for clear guidelines and robust communication to avoid confusion and ensure transparency for students navigating the evolving rules.