Three-Year Work Permit Granted to Master’s Students

Canada now offers a three-year work permit to international master’s students, even if their program is less than two years long. This is a major change from earlier rules, which linked PGWP length strictly to program duration.
Because of this update, Canada is recognizing the strong potential master’s graduates bring to the job market.

Furthermore, students in Canadian schools that are approved to accept international students can still qualify for a three-year PGWP if their program is at least two years long.

In addition, Canada has updated spousal work permit rules. Now, only spouses of master’s and doctoral students qualify for an open work permit. However, this change does not affect spousal work permits for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for the PGWP

To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada, students must meet several important requirements:

• They must complete an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• The program must be at least eight months long.
• It must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Students must maintain full-time status throughout each academic session.
• They must obtain a transcript and an official completion letter from the DLI.
• The institution must be an approved college, university, or private school authorized to award degrees.

Additionally, IRCC has introduced a new rule:

Important Update (Effective September 2024)

Students in programs that use a curriculum licensing framework—where a private college delivers the curriculum of a public college—will no longer be eligible for a PGWP.
This change aims to improve program quality and protect students from low-value education pathways.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).