We are pleased to share an important update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) concerning recent changes to Canada’s international student program. These updates, announced by Minister Marc Miller, highlight adjustments that will impact current and prospective international students, particularly regarding Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, effective from September 18, 2024.
First, the most important point of the IRCC announcement is that international students who are either already in Canada or who apply for a study permit before November 1, 2024, will not see changes in their PGWP eligibility. In simple terms, students who entered Canada expecting to gain post-study work opportunities can still apply under the current rules. This will also bring them comfort in knowing their plans remain intact, and their future work opportunities in Canada are protected.
However, students who will apply for their study permit after November 1, 2024, will have a different criterion for eligibility for a PGWP. Students in college-level credentials have eligibility for the PGWP only when their program of study aligns with the identified labour market needs of Canada.
These needs will be determined based on data from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which will match programs with National Occupational Codes (NOC) and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. This shift reflects Canada’s strategic move to match the skills of international graduates with the country’s economic requirements.
In addition, starting November 1, 2024, there will also be a new language proficiency requirement for PGWP applicants. Applicants for PGWP would be required to show their English or French proficiency with at least a CLB of 5. This will ensure that international students graduating from college can contribute better to the Canadian workforce. While, CLB 7 is required for universities’ graduation programmes, CLB 5 is the requirement for colleges.
Students who are currently in Canada or whose applications for a study permit are received before November 1, 2024, will be slightly affected. Their PGWP eligibility remains, but they will have to include in their application a language test result that meets the CLB 5 level when they apply for the PGWP. This would be important for such students to know, as language ability is now included in the PGWP application process.
For future students, especially those considering programs for Winter, Summer, or Fall 2025 intakes, it is vital to pay attention to the upcoming changes. Prospective students with offers from Georgian College or other Canadian institutions should consider submitting their study permit applications before November 1, 2024, to ensure they are covered by the current PGWP eligibility rules. This timeline is essential to securing their future in Canada under more familiar regulations. Should any of the programs offered by Georgian College or other institutions become ineligible for the PGWP due to the new criteria, we are fully committed to supporting affected applicants. We will offer alternative program options or provide a full refund of any tuition fees paid.
We will continue to update you and assist with any necessary adjustments as the government releases the exact list of programs that will be eligible under the new policy for PGWP.
In light of these events, we urge all prospective students, particularly those who are considering applying for the Winter 2025, Summer 2025, or Fall 2025 intakes, to contact us immediately. It would be important to recommend that they apply for their study permits no later than November 1, 2024, so as not to forfeit their eligibility under the existing PGWP rules. This matter remains in a state of flux, and our office will immediately follow any further announcements by IRCC. Additionally, Georgian College continues to offer entrance scholarships to international students. We encourage prospective students to reach out to their country representatives for detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and available scholarships.
Additionally, the latest update from IRCC has introduced significant changes to Canada’s immigration and study permit policies. For 2025, the government plans a 10% cut in study permits, setting the new target at 437,000, down from 485,000 in 2024. Additionally, temporary residents will be capped at 5% of Canada’s population by 2026, a reduction from the current 6.5%. Work permits will now be restricted to spouses of master’s students enrolled in programmes lasting over 16 months and to workers in specific sectors. Furthermore, 12% of study permits will be reserved exclusively for master’s and PhD students.
At ICCC, we continue to be committed to assisting our students in these transitions by ensuring they receive current information and are well-equipped to face the future in Canada. Stay in touch to know more about the latest changes by IRCC.
