In a move affecting Indian students, Canada’s Quebec province in collaboration with the national government has decided to tighten the rules for obtaining a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Quebec Immigration Minister Jean Boulet and Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser recently announced measures to “tighten access”. post graduation Work permit for certain graduates of non-subsidised private educational institutions”.
“The measure includes providing access to post-graduation work permits only to those who have graduated from a subsidized study program,” a government release said.
The new rule, which will have no effect on provincial government-aided colleges and universities, will come into effect from 1 September 2023.
“Quebec requests post-graduation work permit eligibility making changes that will improve program integrity, bring Quebec’s private institutions in line with other provinces and our well-being as the destination of choice for international students.” deserved reputation will be protected,” Fraser said.
The move will pave the way for international students to acquire a work permit after completing their courses, which is a requirement to qualify for permanent residency.
Its impact on students can be understood from the fact that between 2016 and 2018, the number of foreign students who obtained study permits from non-subsidised institutions stood at 4,900. The figure rose to 11,500 for the period 2019-21. Indian students made up a major part of these figures.
Canada is one of the most sought after destinations for Indian students as it allows those who have graduated from eligible Canadian educational institutions, to obtain an open work permit. Many colleges also use this criterion to attract international students.
According to the 2021 Mentor Conference polls, 64% of the total students planning to study abroad wanted to do it in Canada or the US. In addition, Canada has over 6,22,000 foreign students, of which the number of Indians is 2,17,410 as of December 31, 2021.