The news of the new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) system coming into effect on November 1, 2024 has caused a lot of confusion, especially for those who are preparing to enter Canadian colleges and universities. It's clear that college graduates outside of the agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM, technology, and transportation sectors will no longer be able to obtain a PGWP unless they have a four-year degree or higher. However, there are ways around this, if you know what to expect and are prepared. In this column, we'd like to address some of the questions you may have about this issue and talk about what you can do about it.
Q: I'm very concerned about the recent changes to the PGWP program. I have been accepted into a public college now (on October 1), how will this affect me?
A: If you applied for a student visa before November 1, 2024, you shouldn't be too concerned as you can still get a PGWP based on your pre-existing conditions. The PGWP is based on the date of receipt of your student visa, so as long as you have received your acceptance letter, you only need to apply for your student visa on time.
Q: What happens if I miss the November 1 deadline? Will I be ineligible for the PGWP at all?
A: If you miss the November 1 deadline, the new system will apply and it may be more difficult to get a PGWP. However, Korean nationals can still apply for a working holiday visa, so you can take advantage of this. They can use it for two years at a time between the ages of 18 and 35, giving them the freedom to work in Canada for up to four years, which should solve that problem.
Q: I heard that four-year university graduates are not affected by the new PGWP system, is it only for college students?
A: The new system affects college graduates. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates from four-year universities will still be eligible for a PGWP under pre-existing conditions, while college graduates will be limited in eligibility based on their specific field of study.
Q: Are college graduates not eligible for the PGWP at all?
A: No, college graduates in the agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM, technology, and transportation fields are still eligible for the PGWP. For example, computer programming, nursing, and electrician courses are some of the majors that are eligible for PGWP after graduation. Also, those attending aviation schools are not affected and can still get a visa.
Q: I have to go to the military, and I'm worried that my visa will expire during that time, can I still get a PGWP?
A: Military service will not affect your ability to obtain a PGWP. After you leave the military, you can obtain a certificate from the military to prove your military service and rest assured that this will not affect your visa.
Q: Do I have to take the English language test?
A: After November 1, proof of English language proficiency is mandatory for PGWP applications. You'll need a CLB 5 for college graduates and a CLB 7 or higher for 4+ year graduates, so you'll need to prepare for the English test alongside your academic studies.
Q: Can I get the PGWP twice? For example, if I get the PGWP, go to work, transfer to a four-year university, and graduate, can I apply again?
A: Unfortunately, the PGWP is only issued once and cannot be reissued for additional degrees.
Q: With immigration policies constantly changing, will this PGWP restriction continue in the future?
A: Canadian immigration policy is subject to change based on economic and social conditions. However, the study abroad industry plays an important role in Canada's economy, so it is unlikely that the country will stop issuing PGWPs altogether. In addition, immigration programs will likely continue to be adjusted as needed to address labor shortages in certain occupations based on economic conditions, so we do not expect the current situation to continue.
The news of the new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) system coming into effect on November 1, 2024 has caused a lot of confusion, especially for those who are preparing to enter Canadian colleges and universities. It's clear that college graduates outside of the agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM, technology, and transportation sectors will no longer be able to obtain a PGWP unless they have a four-year degree or higher. However, there are ways around this, if you know what to expect and are prepared. In this column, we'd like to address some of the questions you may have about this issue and talk about what you can do about it.
Q: I'm very concerned about the recent changes to the PGWP program. I have been accepted into a public college now (on October 1), how will this affect me?
A: If you applied for a student visa before November 1, 2024, you shouldn't be too concerned as you can still get a PGWP based on your pre-existing conditions. The PGWP is based on the date of receipt of your student visa, so as long as you have received your acceptance letter, you only need to apply for your student visa on time.
Q: What happens if I miss the November 1 deadline? Will I be ineligible for the PGWP at all?
A: If you miss the November 1 deadline, the new system will apply and it may be more difficult to get a PGWP. However, Korean nationals can still apply for a working holiday visa, so you can take advantage of this. They can use it for two years at a time between the ages of 18 and 35, giving them the freedom to work in Canada for up to four years, which should solve that problem.
Q: I heard that four-year university graduates are not affected by the new PGWP system, is it only for college students?
A: The new system affects college graduates. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates from four-year universities will still be eligible for a PGWP under pre-existing conditions, while college graduates will be limited in eligibility based on their specific field of study.
Q: Are college graduates not eligible for the PGWP at all?
A: No, college graduates in the agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM, technology, and transportation fields are still eligible for the PGWP. For example, computer programming, nursing, and electrician courses are some of the majors that are eligible for PGWP after graduation. Also, those attending aviation schools are not affected and can still get a visa.
Q: I have to go to the military, and I'm worried that my visa will expire during that time, can I still get a PGWP?
A: Military service will not affect your ability to obtain a PGWP. After you leave the military, you can obtain a certificate from the military to prove your military service and rest assured that this will not affect your visa.
Q: Do I have to take the English language test?
A: After November 1, proof of English language proficiency is mandatory for PGWP applications. You'll need a CLB 5 for college graduates and a CLB 7 or higher for 4+ year graduates, so you'll need to prepare for the English test alongside your academic studies.
Q: Can I get the PGWP twice? For example, if I get the PGWP, go to work, transfer to a four-year university, and graduate, can I apply again?
A: Unfortunately, the PGWP is only issued once and cannot be reissued for additional degrees.
Q: With immigration policies constantly changing, will this PGWP restriction continue in the future?
A: Canadian immigration policy is subject to change based on economic and social conditions. However, the study abroad industry plays an important role in Canada's economy, so it is unlikely that the country will stop issuing PGWPs altogether. In addition, immigration programs will likely continue to be adjusted as needed to address labor shortages in certain occupations based on economic conditions, so we do not expect the current situation to continue.