Canada, once a haven for international students, continues to become a distant dream. After the cap, which has drastically reduced the number of international student admissions, the administration is now considering overhauling the PGWP. The Canada post study work program allows international students to stay on in the country after completion of their course. Reports suggest that the government plans to reduce the number considerably in the months to come.
The Canadian government has sent out letters to various universities, seeking their inputs on the proposed changes in program. The letter accessed hints at the possibility of the administration further tightening the eligibility criteria for the same.
The government is also considering whether it would wish to safeguard the international students currently enrolled or should the policy be implemented to all. The consultations are seeking opinions of institutions on linking PGWP to the labour market requirements.
Already, this year’s May-June numbers suggest a decline of as much as 56% in the number of permits issued. These numbers are expected to drop further in comparison to previous year.
With new proposals, this is expected to further fall. Experts raise concerns over the same, highlighting how it might adversely affect the already dwindling international enrolments.
Canada’s Post Study Work Permit – Changes Expected
The government has sent out letters with questions to various higher education institutions as well as high schools. Seeking their consul, the government has posed questions on whether the policy shift should include all students including the ones presently studying or only new enrolments.
In the changes proposed, it is expected that the PGWP may be further aligned with the labour market requirements of the region. In other words, the subjects that do not have a present requirement in the job market will not get the work permit or extended visa to stay in the country.
The government has also sought reply on how soon the job market requirements should be assessed. Schools were also asked which cohorts of students should be exempted from the proposed policy changes – for example graduate students or students who are fluent in French, etc.
The proposed changes may
- Require students to demonstrate a job offer to be eligible to apply for the post study work permit
- Reduce the tenure
- Restrict PGWP solely to the occupational requirements of the region
- Be applicable to both new enrolments as well as students who are currently studying in various courses in the country
Impact of proposed Changes
The post study work program is one of the highlights of studying from Canada. The proposed changes, however, puts an added layer of uncertainty. Most international students hope for PGWP to gain crucial work experience as well as an important means of paying off their loans.
However, while the future impact can be mitigated, the decision puts the current students in a fix. If the government was to decide to implement changes with immediate effect, many students might be forced to return to their home country.
What is the future for international students planning to study in Canada?
The country last year implemented a cap on international students. The decision was taken to check the internal labour market and housing crisis. Early this year, the administration further reduced the cap, almost halving it from last year’s numbers.
The proposed changes is expected to further reduce the number of international students opting for Canada as a preferred choice. Indian students have felt the pinch already.
Data from May-June report suggests that Indian students continued to be the largest cohort of international students that received the PGWP approval. At 59%, the Indian students got the lion’s share. This number, however, was a sharp decline of 29% from previous numbers.
Given the situation, it can be suggested that it is time to wait and check. Canadian Universities still rank among the best in the world. The opportunities are still open and there is still scope of permanent residency. However, with macro conditions non-conducive, the volatility of the market increases the risk and reduced the ROI on a degree from Canada at present.