International Students Seeking a Post Graduation Work Permit Take Note

Friday January 13th, 2023 - Ottawa, ON

As pandemic measures begin to ease across the country, International students who are seeking a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will be affected by the winding down of distance learning facilitation measures. These changes will affect international students starting programs from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023.

As part of this transition period, any study time completed online while abroad starting on September 1, 2023 will now be deducted from the length of a student’s PGWP. Additionally, no more than 50% of earned credits can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.

If a student's courses were moved online due to the pandemic, time spent studying online from within Canada until August 2023 still counts towards the length of a students PGWP. That said, it is recommended that students attend in-class options if that is offered.

From November 15, 2022 until December 31st, 2023, international students who applied for a study permit by October 7th and who have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will not be restricted by the 20-hour-per-week rule.

To benefit from this measure and to maintain eligibility for a PGWP, students must maintain full-time status at their educational institution.

For more information on distance learning measures, please visit IRCC’s website at this link Work in Canada after you graduate: Who can apply - Canada.ca