Important Update for International Students: Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility in Canada

In a recent announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a significant change has been made regarding the eligibility for post-graduation work permits for international students enrolled in college programs under public-private curriculum licensing arrangements. Effective May 15, 2024, graduates from these specific programs will no longer qualify for a post-graduation work permit, a shift from the previously slated date of September 1, 2024. It’s not clear why the Minister brought the date up from September to May, likely because they want to accelerate the demise of private colleges that the government does not consider to be legitimate.

This decision directly impacts international students planning to commence their studies in such programs on or after May 15, 2024. It’s crucial for these students to be aware that upon graduation, they will not be eligible for the post-graduation work permit, which is the standard stepping stone to gaining Canadian work experience and securing permanent residency. The net effect of this decision is that many foreign students who were going to start their studies in September will cancel their plans to live in Canada, which helps achieve IRCC’s new goal of reducing temporary residents in Canada.

IRCC maintains a list of designated learning institutions, which includes information on whether graduates from each institution are eligible for a post-graduation work permit. This list is accessible on IRCC website and is regularly updated with information from provinces and territories regarding affected programs.

For international students and graduates, staying informed about these changes and understanding how they impact post-study work opportunities is essential.