Changes to PGWP Eligibility for College Degree Graduates
NEW Update regarding Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for graduates of college programs in Canada. As of November 1st, 2024, graduates of college programs that grant bachelor’s or master’s degrees will no longer be required to meet the PGWP field of study requirement. In addition, graduates will now need to provide proof of meeting the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 level, which aligns with the requirements for university degree graduates. This change is retroactive, meaning that students who applied for a study permit to pursue a college bachelor’s or master’s degree after November 1st, 2024, will be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation. Key Takeaways: This change means that Acsenda School of Management (ASM) programs no longer need to meet the CIP program requirements for PGWP eligibility. For more details, visit the IRCC website or feel free to contact us with any questions registrar@acsenda.com
Express Entry category-based draws, plans for more in-Canada draws to reduce labour shortages
Canada is refining its Express Entry system for 2025 to better address long-term labour shortages and support economic growth. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a new education category, alongside continued emphasis on candidates with Canadian work experience (Canadian Experience Class). Priority category-based invitations will target: These changes aim to attract skilled workers who can integrate successfully and contribute to Canada’s workforce. Learn more here.
Changes to open work permits for family members of temporary residents
On Jan 14, 2025, IRCC confirmed the policy changes for spousal work permits which are effective Jan 21, 2025. For your spouse or common-law partner to be eligible for a spousal work permit during your studies, you must be enrolled in a doctoral program, master’s degree program which is 16 months or longer, or select programs. For your spouse or common-law partner to be eligible for a spousal work permit while you are applying for/have a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must be employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or selected TEER 2 or 3 occupations (the list will be available Jan 21, 2025), and have at least 16 months remaining on your work permit at the time of application. Dependent children are no longer eligible for a work permit. Click Here for more Information If your common-law partner or spouse has a spousal work permit under the previous rules, it will remain valid until the expiry date. If they are in Canada it could be extended to match your study or work permit if they are applying under the same criteria as their current work permit. Learn More Here
New process for post-secondary study permit holders
Starting November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on your study permit. This means you can no longer change DLIs by letting us know through your online account. To change DLIs, you need to apply for a new study permit. How to change your school as a post-secondary student Starting November 8, 2024, you need to apply for a new study permit to change your school at the post-secondary level. The school you plan to change to must also be a DLI. Before committing to changing schools and applying for a new study permit, make sure to check that your new school is In addition, if you are in a co-op program and are changing to a co-op program at a different school, you must apply for a new co-op work permit. Find the right process based on your situation
PGWP Aligned programs and CIP Codes.
As part of recent changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, all applicants will now be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in either French or English. This requirement aims to enhance applicants’ ability to transition to permanent residence and adapt to evolving economic conditions. The new requirements are as follows: These language proficiency requirements will apply to anyone submitting a PGWP application on or after November 1, 2024. Additionally, students who submitted their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, must meet all of the following criteria: We encourage all students to take note of these changes and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth application process. Learn More about the PGWP Aligned programs and CIP Codes. For more information about PGWP eligibility requirements and upcoming changes, please visit IRCC’s website. Please note that the decision on your PGWP application is at the discretion of IRCC and Acsenda School of Management is not responsible for determining your eligibility for the post-graduation work permit or the outcome of that application.
New IRCC Updates-PGWP Eligibility
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced upcoming changes to the eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. We will await further details from IRCC to provide more comprehensive guidance to students. For more information, please refer to the official news release here. On October 4, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided further updates on the eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. For more information, please refer to the IRCC page here. After graduating from Acsenda School of Management, students may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP. Duration and eligibility depends on meeting the general eligibility requirements and when students applied for their study permit.
