The latest Changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) should not deter you from seeking an education in Canada
Many of you may be interested in coming to Canada to study, work and beyond and have been keeping an eye on the changes that the Canadian Ministry of Immigration (IRCC) has introduced to the study permit regime since late Fall of 2023. Some of those changes included higher funding thresholds, restrictions on the ability to work for spouses accompanying a student, and others. In this article, I would like to talk about one of the more significant shifts in policy regarding the approval of the PGWP after November 1st of 2024.
In essence, these changes seek to align the qualification obtained by an international student with the needs of the Canadian labour market using data both from Statistics Canada and IRCC’s Express Entry management system. The rationale given by the Canadian government is that too many international students are graduating from Canadian post-secondary institutions unable to work in their field and unable to contribute to the labour demand of Canada’s economy. The new rules have, therefore, aligned the Classification of Instructional Program code (CIP) with labour market demand in order to qualify for a PGWP after graduation. IRCC has made this information public and you can find it by visiting this link and navigating to the bottom of the page.
In addition, IRCC has also introduced a language proficiency requirement at the time of PGWP application. While many of these changes may appear daunting, there is a way to leverage the new rules to have a successful academic journey in Canada. I offer here some general thoughts and, in particular, I would like to highlight what my own institution, Douglas College, can offer to the prospective student.
What can you study at Douglas College that aligns with the new PGWP requirements?
At Douglas College (DC), we have over 50 academic programs that align with the new PGWP regulations from IRCC. That means that any of these programs would meet one of the key requirements to obtain a PGWP after graduation. I would like to highlight the fact that getting a PGWP is solely within the authority of IRCC officers who will be reviewing and assessing the applications. Any institution or agent that promises the PGWP is assured based only on the academic program’s CIP code is not telling you the whole story! The post-secondary institution has no authority in granting the PGWP.
Allow me to highlight now some exciting programs which we offer at DC that will give you an excellent education and the skills to succeed in the labour market in British Columbia or the rest of Canada if you decide to move after your graduation.
If you have a background in computer science, you can boost your employability by completing a Post-Degree Diploma in Data Analytics. This credential will get you started on your path to becoming an information systems analyst or manager, database analyst, data administrator and more. It is an intensive, one-year program and it is recognized by IRCC under CIP 11.0101 to meet the PGWP requirement of alignment with the labour market. If you want to deal with data in a different way, I would like to suggest the two-year Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting (CIP 30.1601) a program designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than commerce or business administration. Once you graduate, you'll have the skills to secure intermediate-level accounting positions in financial reporting, taxation, management accounting and auditing.
If you enjoy being outside while you work, perhaps you should consider our Geological Resources Diploma (CIP 40.0601) and get the skills needed to work in mining and mineral exploration as a geological technician. Geological technicians work outdoors in some of the most beautiful – and remote – places on Earth, collecting and identifying samples of rocks and minerals, prospecting and more for the mining and mineral-exploration industries. Canada’s economy relies, to a great extent, on extractive industries, such as mining, oil & gas, and forestry. Graduating from this program will allow you to contribute to any of these industries in Canada and beyond.
Finally, if you are the creative type, perhaps consider a well-rounded marketing education with the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing (CIP 52.1404). You’ll learn and develop critical applied skills in e-commerce, paid search advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), digital marketing analytics and content, social media marketing and more. Our digital marketing courses are designed to evolve alongside the digital marketing field so that you’ll always be learning the most up-to-date information.
Douglas College is a public institution located in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. We are the largest academic college in the province and have been a key player in the academic life of British Columbia since our founding in 1970. I invite you to check our website for more information on the programs I have suggested above and the many others that might interest you. You can always reach out to americas@douglascollege.ca for more information or to make an appointment with Laura Baquero or Natalia Horta, our representatives for Peru.
One final note on Canada and its immigration system. There is much misinformation and misunderstanding in the media regarding the changes that IRCC has introduced in the past year. While it is true that the number of temporary visas, which include study permits and temporary work permits, will decrease, Canada will still issue 437,000 study permits in each 2025 and 2026. This is still a fairly large number and it is good news for those seeking to come to Canada to pursue an education. It is also evidence that Canada continues to be open to the world, welcoming students and immigrants from hundreds of different countries. If you choose to come to Canada to study, live and play, you will have made the right choice. I know because I chose this country over 30 years ago and it felt like home from the first day.