Canada Expands PGWP Eligibility to Attract International Grads

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intends to lower the percentage of temporary residents from 6.5% of Canada’s overall population to 5% by the year 2026. This year, the nation will issue 437,000 student visas, marking a 10% reduction from last year’s numbers.

Canada has expanded the range of study programs that are eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), allowing international graduates to stay in the country for up to three years.

Larissa Bezo, President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, informed PIE News that early childhood care is experiencing significant labor shortages in various regions.

With the updated policy, programs like Montessori teacher education, child development, developmental services workers, and child care providers can now qualify for PGWPs.

Matthew McDonald, an immigration expert, characterized the shift as a positive advancement, emphasizing the contribution international students can make in tackling Canada’s ongoing labor market shortages in childcare.

The expansion, effective from December 17 of the previous year, features new options in early childhood education and developmental service roles, as stated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), according to CIC News.