CIMM – Post-Graduation Work Permit Program and Labour Market Impact – November 07, 2023

Key Facts and Figures

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) is a one-time open work permit with no requirement for a job offer, and no restrictions on type of work, location or employer. The duration of the PGWP is linked to the length of program of study for a maximum of three years.
The PGWPP allows students who have graduated from a provincially recognized Canadian postsecondary institution to gain skilled work experience in Canada, which can enable them to apply for a range of economic-class immigration programs.
In 2022, there were over 132,000 new PGWP holders in Canada, up from just over 74,000 in 2018.
Historically, about half of international students will obtain a PGWP within five years of their study permit expiring.

The PGWP Program provides post-study work opportunities for up to three years for graduates of certain post-secondary institutions.
Applications for a PGWP are exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Since PGWPs are open work permits, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has limited mechanisms to collect and monitor information on the type of work in which PGWP holders are employed.
We are reviewing the PGWP program as part of the International Student Program review, to address issues related to program integrity, student vulnerability, and to better align with labour market needs.

A Statistics Canada and IRCC study^{Footnote 1} found that:
- In 2018, median earnings were highest for PGWP holders employed in mining, oil and gas extraction, utilities, and public administration.
- The lowest earning amounts were reported by those employed in educational services; administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; accommodation and food services; and retail trade.
- These differences across sectors are consistent with the general pattern among all Canadian workers. Earnings growth over the 2008-to-2018 period was highest for those PGWP holders working in accommodation and food services, retail trade, real estate and rental and leasing, and educational services.