Canada’s immigration system proposes changes to the PGWP

Federal and provincial immigration officials are in discussions to make significant changes to Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. The PGWP is an open work permit, available to international students who have completed an eligible program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

According to notes from the IRCC Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024, Canada’s immigration system will look to align issuance of PGWPs to labour market needs—facilitating “access to work permits for students entering occupations in shortage, while reducing access for graduates from other programs”.