Canada Expands Work Opportunities for International Students with New PGWP Programs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list to include new programs under the "Education" category. Effective December 17, 2024, fields such as early childhood education, Montessori teacher education, and developmental service workers are now eligible. This change aligns with IRCC’s goal of linking PGWP eligibility to fields addressing long-term labor shortages. Previously, PGWP-eligible programs were categorized into five areas, including healthcare and STEM. The update provides international students graduating from college or vocational programs more pathways to work in Canada. Students applying for study permits after November 1, 2024, must meet these requirements.
