CIMM – 3.2 – Post-Graduate Work Permit Holders Movement – October 30, 2025

IRCC’s response to a request for information made by the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on September 23, 2025

Question

Mr. Brad Redekopp: Since January 2024, how many study permit holders have transitioned to postgraduate work permits, and what share have remained in the original study region versus moved to another province?

Ms. Soyoung Park: I would be able to answer part of that question. What I can tell you is that in 2024, there were 200,000 new PGWP holders. That's a decrease of 15% from the previous year.

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Mr. Brad Redekopp: What share of them remained in their original study region versus moved to a different region?

Ms. Soyoung Park: I don't have that information.

Mr. Brad Redekopp: Does IRCC not have that, or is it that you just don't have it with you?

Ms. Soyoung Park: It would have to be a special request to obtain that information.

Mr. Brad Redekopp: Can you provide that to the committee?

Ms. Soyoung Park: Yes.

Response

Out of 285,895 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders with permits that became effective between January 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, 263,625 individuals (92%) indicated the same province on their PGWP application as was indicated on their prior study permit. It should be noted that the prior study permit duration would vary based on the program requirements. PGWP is an open work permit that allows the holder to work anywhere in Canada; it is not certain that the PGWP holders will remain in the province for the duration of the permit.