The Canadian federal government has introduced new guidelines affecting the duration of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) for foreign nationals who have completed multiple programs of study.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its operational instructions and guidelines for immigration officers issuing PGWPs.
Previously, there was uncertainty regarding how the immigration department determined PGWP eligibility and duration for graduates of multiple programs.
This article will explore:
- The rules for PGWP issuance for students who have completed more than one program of study
- The general requirements a program must meet to be PGWP-eligible
- Additional eligibility criteria based on a student’s level of study
PGWP Issuance for Students with Multiple Programs of Study
In certain cases, completing more than one program can extend the length of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to a maximum of three years.
The term “program stacking” is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to describe situations where students have completed multiple PGWP-eligible programs at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
For program stacking to impact PGWP duration, both programs must:
- Be at least eight months long, and
- Be completed within two years of each other (measured from the completion dates) at a PGWP-eligible DLI.
The table below outlines how different program completion scenarios affect PGWP duration. These rules apply to situations occurring on or after November 1, 2024, when IRCC introduced major changes to PGWP eligibility.
| Situation | PGWP Duration |
|---|---|
| Completed two PGWP-eligible programs | PGWP duration is based on the length of both programs. |
| Completed a non-PGWP-eligible program first, followed by a PGWP-eligible program | No program stacking benefit; PGWP duration is based only on the PGWP-eligible program. |
| Completed a PGWP-eligible program first, followed by a non-PGWP-eligible program | No program stacking benefit; PGWP duration is based only on the PGWP-eligible program. |
If a student completes multiple programs but only one is PGWP-eligible, their PGWP will be based solely on the eligible program’s duration.
Important: If a student completes the PGWP-eligible program first, they must apply for their PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation of completion, even if they later complete a non-PGWP-eligible program.
What Makes a Program PGWP-Eligible?
The issuance and length of a PGWP depend on several factors, including the program’s duration and whether it meets eligibility requirements.
To qualify for a PGWP, a program must:
– Be at least eight months long
– Not be delivered through a curriculum-licensing agreement
– Lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate
– Be an academic, vocational, or professional training program
– Be completed at an eligible post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI), including:
- Colleges
- Trade or technical schools
- Universities
- CEGEPs (in Quebec)
- Private post-secondary institutions in Quebec operating under public school regulations
- Quebec private secondary/post-secondary institutions offering programs of 900+ hours leading to a DEP or ASP
- Private Canadian schools authorized to award degrees under provincial law (only if the program leads to a degree)
Note: DLIs are the only institutions in Canada authorized to accept international students.
For more details on PGWP eligibility, required documents, and conditions, visit our dedicated webpage.
Additional PGWP Eligibility Rules Based on Level of Study
On November 1, 2024, IRCC introduced new eligibility requirements for PGWPs, including:
- Field of study restrictions for college and certain university vocational programs
- Language testing requirements for all new international graduates
The rules depend on when the student applied for their study permit.
PGWP Eligibility – Study Permit Applications Before Nov. 1, 2024
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral) | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
| Other University Programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
| College/Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
PGWP Eligibility – Study Permit Applications After Nov. 1, 2024
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral) | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
| Other University Programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities | Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
| College/Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all four abilities | Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
These changes significantly impact PGWP eligibility, particularly for students in college or non-degree university programs. Be sure to check the latest requirements before applying.
How long will my PGWP be valid for if I have completed more than one program of study? | CIC News
