Maple News reports that Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has accelerated a key policy change affecting international students. As of May 15, 2024, graduates from college programs delivered through public-private curriculum licensing agreements will no longer be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This is a notable shift from the previously announced deadline of September 1, 2024.
The affected programs often involve partnerships where private colleges deliver curriculum under public college branding. While these programs have surged in popularity among international students, concerns over education quality and student support services have raised red flags. The Auditor General of Ontario previously flagged significant oversight gaps in these institutions.
IRCC’s earlier announcement in January 2024 outlined this change as part of broader efforts to reform the International Student Program. According to IRCC, removing PGWP eligibility is expected to naturally deter students from enrolling in low-quality or inadequately supervised programs.
International students currently enrolled in these programs must now complete their studies before May 15, 2024, to remain eligible for a PGWP. Those graduating after this date may still qualify for other types of work permits, although these are typically more difficult to obtain and come with additional restrictions.
IRCC stated it will collaborate with provincial governments to maintain an up-to-date list of affected programs and monitor the rollout of this policy adjustment. The department emphasized its goal of ensuring more sustainable growth in the international student population and safeguarding the integrity of Canada’s post-secondary system.
This measure builds on other recent policy changes, including expanded PGWP eligibility for master’s program graduates, even for courses shorter than eight months. These graduates can now qualify for a full three-year PGWP, a move applauded by many in the academic and international student community.
Maple News notes that the duration of PGWPs typically mirrors the length of a student’s academic program, with a maximum period of up to three years. These permits are critical pathways into Canada’s labor market and, for many, a stepping stone toward permanent residency.
As the federal government continues to address concerns around the exploitation of international students and over-enrollment in questionable programs, further adjustments to education and immigration policies may follow.