International students in Canada just received a welcome reprieve. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a grace period for recent changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, delaying the removal of several study programs from eligibility.
Originally, many non-degree college programs were set to lose PGWP eligibility starting June 25, 2025. However, based on an IRCC update released on July 4, 2025, these programs will now remain eligible until early 2026.
Table of Contents
What This Means for Students
If you applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4, 2025, you’re in the clear. You will still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, even if your program would typically be excluded under the new rules.
Thanks to this extension, the number of eligible PGWP programs has risen from 920 to 1,107—a significant win for students seeking post-study employment opportunities in Canada.
Who Is Affected by the Changes
Primarily Affected:
- Graduates of non-degree college programs, including diplomas and certificates
Not Affected:
- Students enrolled in:
- College bachelor’s degree programs
- University bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs
These degree-level programs continue to meet the PGWP criteria under existing rules.
What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP is an open work permit available to international graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It allows you to work for any employer in any sector and can be valid for up to 36 months, depending on the length of your study program.
The PGWP is a key pathway for gaining Canadian work experience, which is often required for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.
Grandfather Clause Still Applies
Students who submitted their application before June 25, 2025 are protected by a grandfather clause. They remain eligible for the PGWP as long as their program was considered eligible at the time of their study permit or PGWP application, even if it has since been removed from the list.
Standard PGWP Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students must:
- Complete a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is at least:
- 8 months long (outside Quebec)
- 900 hours (in Quebec)
- Maintain full-time enrollment throughout their studies (part-time is allowed only in the final semester)
- Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion
- Hold a valid study permit during this 180-day window
- Meet any applicable language requirements
Why This Grace Period Matters
This extension gives international students and institutions time to adjust to the new regulations, and ensures students caught mid-transition aren’t unfairly penalized.
It also allows students enrolled in affected programs to finish their education while preserving their right to work in Canada post-graduation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to study in Canada or are currently enrolled in a non-degree college program, this policy update is a significant advantage. It provides time to plan, opens up post-graduation employment options, and keeps your pathway toward permanent residence on track.
But don’t delay—this grace period is temporary, and the early 2026 cut-off will arrive faster than expected.
