Median Earnings Increasing
According to the new Statistics Canada study, the number of international student graduates obtaining a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has dramatically increased.
Although the PGWP is neither extendable nor renewable, eligible international graduates are allowed to work in Canada for three years. Following this, PGWP holders, depending on their Canadian education and work experience, can apply for many of Canada’s economic class immigration programs. Almost 75% of all PGWP holders become permanent residents within five years.
Statistics Canada, which studied the labour market for over a decade, found that there were more than 13 times as many PGWP holders reporting income in 2018 compared to 2008. Meanwhile, the participation rate has remained relatively steady with the median annual earnings received by PGWP holders increasing by nearly 85%.
Earnings Vary By Country of Origin, Destination and Sector
Most of the PGWP holders come from India or China. These countries made up 66% of all PGWPs issued in 2018, an increase of 15% in 2008.
In 2018, PGWP holders from Iran had the highest median earnings, followed by those from Nigeria and Pakistan. PGWP holders employed in Newfoundland and Labrador had the greatest growth in earnings from 2008 to 2018, followed by Quebec, and New Brunswick. However, employees working in education, administrative and support services, waste management, and retail trade reported some of the lowest earnings.
PGWP Eligibility
In order to be eligible for obtaining the PGWP, you must graduate from a full-time program of at least eight months in length at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution. With the exception of students enrolled during the pandemic, studies must be completed in person. As the PGWP validity period matches that of the study period, it can be valid for a minimum of eight months and a maximum of three years.
Exceptions to The Eligibility Requirements
You aren’t eligible for a PGWP if you:
- Have a study permit that expired more than 180 days before you applied or have already received a PGWP
- Studied English or French as a second language
- Took general interest or self-improvement courses
- Participated in the government of Canada awards program funded by Global Affairs Canada
- Had received funding from Global Affairs Canada that was not a Study in Canada scholarship.
- Got the Canada-Chile Equal Opportunity scholarship,
- Participated in the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange program
- Participated in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program
- Completed a major part of a study program through distance learning, including online courses, e-learning, or correspondence
- Completed a study program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada
