Tag Archives: Post-Graduation Work Permit

Canada’s Immigration Plan 2024-2026: Each year, the federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases a new Immigration Levels Plan which it uses to guide its operations. There is a turning point in Canada’s commitment to migrants as the IRCC recently published its ambitious immigration strategy for the years 2024 to 2026. We’ll learn the new immigration plan for Canada in 2024-2026, the 5-year PGWP (Postgraduate Work Permit), the restoration of temporary residence to permanent residence, and other significant improvements in this guide.

Canada welcomes high levels of immigration to keep its economy strong. Canada has been increasing its immigration levels since the late 1980s to increase its rate of population, labour force, and economic growth. Canada now depends on immigration for the majority of its population and labour force growth and a larger share of its economic growth. Canada has regularly welcomed over 200,000 immigrants per year since 1988. In recent years, it has decided to increase its levels to well over 400,000 per year. Canada’s immigration rate now stands at nearly 1.2 per cent. In other words, Canada welcomes three times more immigrants on a per capita basis than then the United States of America.

Canada unveiled its new immigration plan, which includes a 5-year PGWP and the reintroduction of temporary residence to PR. Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Mark Miller, recently made an intriguing announcement about Canada’s new immigration laws. Under its Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is now looking to welcome 500,000 new immigrants annually in the coming years, which are the highest levels in its history.

Canada’s 3 Major Visa Changes for 2024-2026

Below are three significant changes that will impact migrants in 2024-2026.

1. Standardized Visa Processing Time

The first major change to Canada’s immigration regulations is the establishment of a uniform processing period for visas. In the past, when candidates submitted to Canada for any type of application, work permit, study permit, tourist visa, or otherwise, they were usually given an estimated processing time.

The time frame for processing your application was a rough estimate of when you may expect a response. With the new approach, Canada now expects to shorten and speed up these processing times.

Furthermore, the government of Canada wants to make this even more predictable and effective. This is a change that everyone applying for a Canadian visa should be aware of since it ensures that your applications will be processed quickly.

For instance, in contrast to previous processing times when obtaining a work permit often took two or three months, work permits are now provided after just one month of application.

2. Immigration plan for the next three years

Another significant statement relates to Canada’s immigration plan for the next few years. The plan lays out the country’s immigration objectives with the aim of bringing in a sizable number of newcomers over the next three years, given that Canada anticipates attracting over 485,000 immigrants in 2024.

Canada intends to accept 500,000 immigrants in 2025 and 2026 with even larger aspirations. Canada is thinking of bringing back the temporary resident to permanent resident’s immigration track in order to achieve these goals.

A very effective program called TR to PR enables temporary residents to become permanent residents. This suggests that this initiative, which is a component of the country’s immigration policy, may get increased attention over the course of the following three years.

3. Extended Postgraduate Work Permit, PGWP

The much await and well-received extension of the postgraduate work permit to a maximum of 5 years is an important step. As of right now, the duration of your PGWP is directly related with the length of your study program. If you completed a one-year course, for instance, you would receive a one-year work visa.

Similarly, if you completed a two-year program, your work visa would be good for three years.

Many Canadians are supporting a petition that is now making the rounds in support of prolonging the PGWP’s existence. Students who complete the shorter, one-year program will be given a two-year PGWP, which will be subsequently extended for the duration of their study program.

In response to the petition, Minister Mark Miller stated that the government is considering the concept carefully. This consideration will likely result in the creation of a pool of suitable occupations, and if your studies are in an area connected to these vocations, you may be eligible for a PGWP of up to five years.

This change aims to meet the needs of Canada’s labor market and alleviate shortages in specific industries. Recent changes to Canada’s immigration regulations aim to extend work permits to international students and streamline the application process.

Additionally, it will open the door for the country to welcome even more immigrants. And as a potential student or immigrant, you must stay informed about these changes in order to plan your trip to Canada. Prospects for those looking to move to Canada appear more favorable than ever, and Canada is demonstrating its dedication to diversity and inclusiveness.

Summary of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026

In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to welcome more than 465,000 immigrants to Canada. In 2024, Canada’s newcomer target is 485,000 new permanent residents (PRs). In both 2025, and 2026 Canada will aim to welcome an additional 500,000 immigrants (in each year). The following table summarises Canada’s immigration targets between 2024-2026 by immigration class:

That will be all in this guide, Canada Immigration Plan 2024-2026, Canada’s 3 Major Visa Changes.

DISCLAIMER: Neither a government agency nor an immigration lawyer owns this site. The content on this site was gathered through research from various public domains for informative purposes. For your unique immigration needs, kindly consult an expert immigration lawyer.

Getting a post-graduation work permit is part of the desire of international students who are currently studying abroad. As a student who is currently studying in Canada or seeking to study and work in Canada, it is important to get a post-graduation work permit as it allows you to legally live and work in the country.

What Is A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Post-Graduation Work Permit allows students who have completed their courses from eligible Canadian DLIs (Designated Learning Institutions) to work to gain valuable Canadian work experience. There are no geographic or field of employment restrictions and international students who have been able to obtain this permit can work in Canada for as long as 3 years.

The work experience gained in training, education, experience, and responsibilities can help graduates obtain permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class that is within the Express Entry.

Benefits Of A Post-Graduation Work Permit

The benefits of a post-graduation work visa include:

• Graduates get the opportunity to work legally in Canada.
• You do not need a job offer before applying for the permit, this means that you can apply for any job of your choice.
• Having work experience will give you a headstart in your professional career as it will open the door to other opportunities for you.
• Getting a post-graduation work permit can allow you the opportunity to obtain a permanent residence later on.
• Additionally, graduates who have a post-graduation work permit have the opportunity to work either full-time, part-time, or self-employed.

What Is The Validity Period Of  Post-Graduation Work Visa

A post-graduation work visa is valid for a minimum of 8 months and can last for a maximum of 3 years. The visa officers will examine the length of the applicant’s program of study, and then from there, they can determine how long the post-graduation work visa will be valid.

Eligibility Requirement For A Post-Graduation Work Permit

It is important to note that graduates who graduated from a program that was delivered by a private career college under a curriculum licensing agreement with a public PGWP-eligible institution in another province are not eligible for a post-graduation work visa.

However, a transitional period will be given to students who are currently enrolled in such programs. They remain eligible for a PGWP if they remain in the program and meet all other eligibility criteria. Additionally, it should be noted that applicants can only receive 1 post-graduation work permit in their lifetime. The eligibility criteria include:

• To get a post-graduation work permit, applicants must currently hold a valid temporary status or have left Canada
• Applicants must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI)
• They should have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that lasted for at least 8 months. They should also have a degree, diploma, or certificate in the course.
• Additionally, applicants must have maintained a full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program of study. Exceptions can be made for the following groups:

1. leave from studies
2. final academic session

• Applicants must have received a transcript or an official letter from an eligible DLI. This confirms that they have met the requirements to complete their study program. It should also be noted that this letter or transcript should be included in the post-graduation work permit application.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Furthermore, applicants must meet the following criteria within 180 days of the date of applying:

• They hold a valid study permit.
• They held a study permit.
• They were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Accelerated Studies

Applicants who finish their studies before the actual time frame provided for the program are known to have accelerated studies. The length of the postgraduate work permit is based on the usual length of the program of study.  For instance, if a graduate completes a one-year program in eight months, then they’ll receive their PGWP which will be valid for one year.

Students Affected By A DLI Strike

If an applicant is affected by a DLI strike, the student will still be considered to have studied full-time during the length of the strike. Even though the time spent not attending class does not count, students must however meet the post-graduation work permit requirements.

Online Learning

International students who completed their programs entirely online (distance learning), either within or outside Canada, are not eligible for a post-graduate work visa. For students who have taken online courses at a distance learning institute, officers use the following guidelines to assess their PGWP eligibility:

• If the student completes more than 50% of their program online, the program might be considered a distance learning program. The applicant might not be eligible for a post-graduate work permit.
• Alternatively, if the student completes less than 50% of their program online, then there is a possibility that they might be issued a post-graduate work permit. The validity is based on the length of the program, including the credits earned from both the physical and online courses.

Transfers

Interested applicants who have transferred between eligible Canadian DLIs might equally be considered for a post-graduation work visa. The time spent studying should be at least eight months. However, if the applicant graduates from an eligible institution after transferring from an eligible one, only the time spent at the eligible institution will be considered. This time frame must be for at least 8 months.

Programs With An Overseas Component

An applicant will qualify for a post-graduate work permit if they complete their program in Canada with an overseas component. This stands as long as they earn a Canadian educational credential from an eligible DLI. However, it is important to make sure that the length of studies should be at least eight months. The officers may contact the DLI to confirm and verify the information.

Work Authorization After Submitting A PGWP Application

When applications are made before the expiration of the study permit, students will still be able to work full-time. This is while they are waiting for a decision (this is even after they might have departed and returned to Canada). But they have to meet the following criteria listed below:

• They must have had a valid study permit as at the time of the postgraduate work permit application.
• They must have completed their program of study.
• Also, they must meet the requirements for working off-campus without a work permit.
• They did not exceed the usual hours of work.

Also, if the work permit isn’t granted, then applicants are expected to stop working immediately.

Spouses And Common-Law Partners

Finally, spouses and common-law partners of people who have a post-graduation work permit may be eligible to work for an open work permit under the C41 exemption.

Spouses and common-law partners of individuals with a PGWP may qualify for an open work permit under the C41 exemption.

For out more information here

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants will be viewed as ineligible if they:

• Have previously had a post-graduation work permit in Canada.
• Have received funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC). It doesn’t however apply to scholarship recipients.
• Have participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by GAC
• Have participated in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program
• Have completed the majority of the credits toward the completion of their program of study by distance learning
• Have finished a program of study delivered by a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, regardless of their length of stay in Canada
• Have participated in the Canada–China Scholars’ Exchange Program
• Have gotten the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada–Chile.

Other Necessary Documents

Applicants must ensure that they provide the correct documents with accurate information. Some of the other necessary documents include:

• Letter confirming completion of the applicant’s program of study.
• Academic transcript
• Any other additional documents that the officers might request.

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