Graduates with Master’s degrees now qualify for a 3-year work permit

Great news for international students pursuing master’s programs in Canada! Master’s students in programs less than two years in length are now eligible for a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This is a significant change that will provide more opportunities for international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada.

The decision to expand the eligibility for longer work permits for master’s students was made by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in recognition of their potential to contribute to Canada’s labour market. The length of the PGWP for students in programs other than at the master’s level will continue to correspond with the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.

In addition, students in programs at PGWP-eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) that are at least two years in length are also eligible for a three-year PGWP. Furthermore, IRCC will soon amend rules for spousal work permits for international students at an undergraduate level, making only spouses of master’s and doctoral level students eligible to receive a spousal work permit.

Understanding PGWP Eligibility Criteria

For international students to be eligible for a PGWP, they must have completed studies in an eligible DLI, studied in a program that led to a degree, diploma, or certificate, held full-time student status in Canada during every academic session, and graduated from a recognized educational institution in Canada. As of September 2024, students attending certain types of programs will no longer be eligible to apply for a PGWP.

These recent changes in the eligibility criteria for post-graduation work permits for international students will provide more opportunities for them to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies. This is an exciting development that reflects Canada’s commitment to attracting and retaining top international talent.