Canada extends postgraduate work permit validity till 3 years for all programmes

NEW DELHI: The Canadian government has extended the validity of post-graduate work permit to three years for graduates of all programmes. The change in PG work permit programme has come into effect from February 15.

The official page of immigration, refugees and citizenship on X shared the news and said, “Effective February 15, 2024, changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) for graduates of master’s degree programs will come into force.”

“In recognition that graduates of master’s degree programs are excellent candidates to succeed in Canada’s labour market and potentially transition to permanent residence, you could be eligible for a 3-year PGWP even if the length of their study program may have been less than two years,” it said.

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As per the eligibility criteria for PGWP, graduates of programmes that are at least two years in length at eligible designated learning institutions are equally eligible for a 3-year PGWP as are graduates of master’s degree programmes less than two years in length.

The change in length of the PGWP will help students get the required work experience in order to apply for permanent residence, said the official website of IRCC.

The IRCC has restricted the PG work permits for public-private partnership college programmes due to concerns regarding the quality of education and lack of sufficient student support. However, international students currently enrolled in these institutions will remain eligible for a PGWP if they meet other programme eligibility criteria.