Starting in September 2023, studying at private colleges in Quebec will no longer allow international graduates to apply for their Post Graduation Work permit (PGWP). This measure looks to bring the province of Quebec in line with other Canadian provinces. According to the federal government, this measure aims to protect the international student program. Then, Quebec Immigration Minister, Jean Boulet, said, “It is important to act to preserve the integrity of our immigration programs. Which must promote lasting integration into Quebec society”. Certainly, the PGWP is a crucial step for international students who want to stay in Canada, join the workforce and meet the criteria to immigrate and settle permanently.

Colleges in Quebec

It is key to remind that, in other Canadian provinces, international students who graduated from a private program do not have access to the PGWP. It means they aren´t allowed to work in Canada for up to three years. Then, once it goes into effect, Quebec’s private colleges will align with the rest of the country. Under the new measure that will start on September 2023, only graduates of subsidized or public colleges in Quebec can qualify for the Post Graduation Work Permit.

What is a Post Graduation Work Permit – Changes Colleges in Quebec

The Post Graduation Work Permit, also known as PGWP, is an open work permit to enable international graduates to join the Canadian workforce. Overall, it is one of the most common pathways to obtaining permanent residency. To be eligible for a PGWP, foreign graduates need to:

Have completed a program of at least eight months in a Designated Learning Institution.
The study program must have led to a degree, diploma or certificate.

Requirements For a Post Graduation Work Permit

To sum up, these are the PGWP requirements for international graduates:

Have graduated from a program of at least eight months from a Designated Learning Institution.
After the program, the student must receive a diploma, certificate or degree.
You have to apply within 180 days of your graduation date.
To qualify, you need an official letter from the eligible institution that confirms you finished the study program.

PGWP Duration

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) may be valid between eight months and up to three years. The length of your permit will depend on the study program you completed in Canada. Read here to learn more about this official change for certain Quebec colleges.

How Can We Help?

In mana immigration, we are experts in helping foreigners to come to Canada. We are experts in study permits, so if you plan to study in Canada, contact us to have an assessment with our education experts.