New Changes to PGWP Duration for Graduates of Multiple Programs in Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new guidelines regarding Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, particularly for students who have completed more than one program of study in Canada. This change aims to clarify the process and make it easier to determine the length of work permits for international students who have attended multiple programs.

What You Need to Know About PGWP for Multiple Programs

Previously, the rules were unclear about how the duration of PGWPs would be impacted for students who graduated from more than one program. The updated guidelines provide clarity and offer the possibility of a longer PGWP for those who complete multiple eligible programs.

The concept of “program stacking” has been introduced by IRCC to describe cases where students graduate from more than one eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). In certain situations, this can extend the validity of the PGWP up to the maximum three-year period.

Requirements for Program Stacking to Affect PGWP Duration

For “program stacking” to influence the length of the PGWP, both programs must meet specific criteria:

1. Minimum Length: Each program must be at least eight months long.
2. Completion Timeline: The programs must be completed within two years of each other, with the timeline calculated from the completion date of the first program.

Impact on PGWP Duration

The duration of the PGWP issued will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the programs completed. The new guidelines provide several possible scenarios:

• Completing Two Eligible Programs: In this case, the PGWP can be issued based on the combined length of both programs.
• First Program Non-Eligible, Second Program Eligible: If a student first completes a non-PGWP eligible program and later finishes a PGWP-eligible program, the PGWP will only be issued for the duration of the eligible program.
• First Program Eligible, Second Program Non-Eligible: Similarly, if the first program is PGWP-eligible and the second is not, the PGWP will be based solely on the duration of the first program.

If a student completes a PGWP-eligible program first and an ineligible program second, the work permit will only be granted for the duration of the first program. Importantly, the work permit application must still be submitted within 180 days of receiving confirmation of the completion of the first eligible program.

Eligibility Criteria for a PGWP-Eligible Program

To be eligible for a PGWP, the program of study must meet the following requirements:

• The program must last at least eight months.
• It should not be delivered through a curriculum-licensing agreement.
• The program must result in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• The program should be either academic, vocational, or professional training.
• The program must be completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which includes colleges, universities, trade schools, and certain private schools in Canada.

Expanded Eligibility Requirements Based on Study Level

As of November 1, 2024, IRCC introduced new changes to PGWP eligibility that also consider the level of study and language proficiency. This includes both college and university programs, with additional language testing requirements for graduates.

For study permit applications submitted after November 1, 2024, the new rules specify language proficiency criteria and, for some programs, field of study requirements.

• For university bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs: Students must demonstrate a language proficiency equivalent to a CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
• For other university programs: Similar language proficiency requirements apply, and students must also ensure that their field of study is eligible.
• For college programs: Students must have a language proficiency equivalent to a CLB/NCLC Level 5 in all four language skills. Additionally, the field of study must be eligible under the new regulations.

Conclusion

The recent update from IRCC brings greater clarity to the process of applying for a PGWP, especially for those who have completed multiple programs of study in Canada. Program stacking can potentially extend the duration of the work permit, offering additional opportunities for international students to gain work experience in Canada. However, it is important to ensure that both programs meet the necessary eligibility criteria, including duration and completion timeline, for the stacking benefit to apply.

Students who are planning to apply for a PGWP should be aware of these updated guidelines and apply within the required timeframe to maximize their chances of receiving the full work permit duration.

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