Immigration Canada has stated that persons enrolled in master's programs lasting fewer than two years are now eligible for a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP), effective immediately. IRCC has updated the previous association between program lengths.
This transformation will be reflected in the recognition of master's degree graduates' enormous capacity to make important contributions to the Canadian labour market. With this modification, master's degree recipients can now apply for extended work permits, indicating the Canadian government's commitment to enabling post-graduate possibilities for international students.
Master's degree holders are eligible for extended work permits
The fact that a PGWP is now available demonstrates the talents and valuable contributions that master's students make in the Canadian labour market. This policy adjustment aligns with IRCC's goals to attract and retain excellent professionals who have earned a master's degree in Canada.
Offering expanded post-graduate job experience for overseas students pursuing shorter Master's degrees promotes a more open and appealing environment for experienced professionals from all around the world.
Students enrolling in programs other than Master's level will retain PGWPs for a maximum of three years, which corresponds to the length of their study courses.
Students enrolling in programs at DLIs who are eligible for PGWPs (they are the only universities that admit foreign students) can now obtain an extended three-year post-graduation work permit if the program lasts at least two years.
IRCC will also change the regulations for spousal work permits for international undergraduate students in the coming weeks. As a result, only Masters and PhD students' wives are eligible to apply for a spousal work visa.
Furthermore, it is crucial to note that this adjustment will not affect the wives or partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have open work permits.
This planned shift brings spouse work permit criteria closer to the educational backgrounds of international students studying in Canada.
