On October 4, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released significant updates regarding the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This announcement follows earlier restrictions imposed on September 18, 2024.


Key Changes to PGWP Rules

The new regulations will take effect on November 1, 2024. Students who have applied for or held a study permit before this date will still qualify for a PGWP under the existing criteria. Conversely, those applying on or after this date will need to adhere to the revised guidelines.


A major change involves the introduction of a "field of study" requirement specifically for college graduates. From November 1, graduates from college programs must complete their studies in an eligible field to qualify for a PGWP. This new stipulation does not affect university graduates, who can continue to apply for permits lasting up to three years without specific field restrictions.


List of Eligible Programs

In its announcement, IRCC provided a comprehensive list of 966 eligible academic programs categorized into five primary sectors:


Notably absent from this list are popular fields like tourism, hospitality, and general business programs, which raises concerns among educational institutions and local communities reliant on international student enrollment.


Criticisms from Educational Leaders

The announcement has sparked criticism from various stakeholders. Karen Dancy, director of recruitment at Olds College, highlighted the absence of hospitality programs as detrimental to rural areas dependent on international students.

Marketa Evans, president of Colleges Ontario, expressed strong opposition in a letter to IRCC Minister Marc Miller. She criticized the lack of provincial consultation and emphasized the need for policies that reflect local labor market demands.


Implementation Process

The methodology behind determining eligible programs remains ambiguous. IRCC has indicated that decisions were based on long-term labor shortages but has faced scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in addressing regional employment needs. Pari Johnston, president of Colleges and Institutes Canada, pointed out that the new requirements unfairly target public colleges while undermining the value of their degrees compared to university programs.


Impact on International Students

According to reports from The Toronto Star, over 105,000 PGWPs were granted in the first half of 2024, with college graduates comprising 64% of recipients. With the new rules in place, nearly half of these graduates may find themselves ineligible for post-study work opportunities.

Future Implications


The changes announced by IRCC represent a significant challenge for Canadian colleges and could alter recruitment strategies and financial stability within these institutions. Dr. Dennis Johnson, a former college president, noted that these policy shifts could jeopardize the future viability of post-secondary education in Canada.


He believes that while there will be immediate challenges requiring additional funding from provincial governments, these circumstances could also catalyze innovation within the educational sector as institutions adapt to new realities. The recent updates to PGWP eligibility present both challenges and opportunities for international students and Canadian educational institutions alike as they navigate this evolving landscape.