Marc Miller, Canada’s immigration minister, said that the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program will be changing soon so that it fits the needs of Canada’s job market better.
Some important points are:
Talks and polls: The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is talking about possible changes with peak groups and province and local governments. Key questions about matching PGWP status with job market needs and lowering the number of PGWP holders were asked in a recent poll sent to stakeholders.
Possible Reforms: Some possible changes include limiting PGWP registration to graduates of programs that lead to high-demand jobs, limiting the number of people who can participate in PGWP, and needing proof of a job offer for permit renewals longer than one year.
Concerns and Implications: The idea that these changes could be made right away, which would affect present kids, has made foreign educators and other parties worried. Such sudden changes could hurt Canada’s image as a place to study for students from other countries, which could hurt the education industry.
Background and Context: Since it expanded in 2008, the PGWP has been a big part of bringing foreign students to Canada. Graduates can get work permits for up to three years. Participation in the program has grown by 214% from 2018 to 2023, which is why changes need to be made to make the labor market more aligned.
The changes are meant to make sure that the jobs that foreign students get fit their schooling and training, and they are also meant to help key areas that are short on workers. Stakeholders, on the other hand, warn against doing anything that could make the Canadian foreign education market less stable. Check the detailed News
