Important new measures on Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility

Today Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes that will help individuals who pursue study and work opportunities in Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to ensure that Canada is providing flexibility to international students who are facing uncertainty in pursuing their studies this fall due to travel restrictions, IRCC has just announced 3 new measures on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for students beginning programs online:

1. Students may now study online from abroad until April 30, 2021, with no time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit, provided 50% of their program of study is eventually completed in Canada.
2. Students who have enrolled in a program that is between 8 and 12 months in length, with a start date from May to September 2020, will be able to complete their entire program online from abroad and still be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
3. Students who have enrolled in a program with a start date from May to September 2020 and study online up to April 30, 2021, and who graduate from more than one eligible program of study, may be able to combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a post-graduation work permit in the future, as long as 50% of their total studies are completed in Canada.

Students must have submitted a study permit application before starting a program of study in the spring, summer, or fall 2020 semester, or the January 2021 semester to be eligible for these measures. Students must be eventually approved for a study permit.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit for a maximum duration of three years to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience that is gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within the Express Entry.

IRCC will continue to closely monitor the situation and assess whether further changes are needed. Canada’s COVID-19 related restrictions will be eased based on progress made in Canada and abroad in containing the coronavirus’ spread.