IRCC has shared new changes to the PGWP program that will be implemented on November 1st, 2024. The PGWP, or post graduation work permit, is a crucial part of every international student’s journey in Canada, so in this article I will break down these new changes to better help you make sense of everything.
IRCC has announced different requirements for different programs, so I will categorize the changes into groups for your ease of read:
1. Language Requirements
These requirements apply to everyone, starting November 1st, 2024. The only people exempt would be those who apply for a PGWP before these changes are implemented, i.e. before November 1st, 2024.
Regardless of your program, if you graduate from a university, you will have to get a minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
On the other hand, if you graduate from a college, the minimum would be CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
Keep in mind that your test must be less than 2 years old at the time you submit your PGWP application, and that you must demonstrate your ability in all of the 4 language areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
2. Field Of Study Requirements
These requirements apply only to those who apply for a study permit on or after November 1st, 2024.
If you graduate with a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program, you do not have any field of study requirements.
If you graduate from any other university program, any college program ,or any other eligible program, you must graduate in an eligible field of study.
3. What Has Not Changed
DLI Institution: you must still complete your program at a pgwp-eligible institution, that is, a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Find a list to all DLI’s here.
Physical Presence: you must still complete the majority of your studies in person, as opposed to distance learning.
Current Applicants: If you apply for your PGWP before these changes are implemented, i.e. before November 1st, 2024, then these changes do not apply to you.
Flight School Graduates: If you graduate from a pgwp-eligible institution, these changes do not apply to you, whether you apply for your PGWP before or after November 1st, 2024.
4. Eligible Fields Of Study
These fields of study are aligned with long term shortage areas in Canada. If your program is in any of these fields, you are eligible for a PGWP:
Canada has witnessed an unprecedented rise in asylum claims from international students over the past five years. This trend has sparked discussions about the country’s immigration policies and the challenges it poses to the system.
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), asylum applications from international students skyrocketed from 1,515 in 2018 to 25,465 in 2023, marking a staggering 1,500% increase. This surge has been particularly pronounced in higher education institutions, with some experiencing growth rates exceeding 4,000% since 2018.
Factors Contributing to the Increase
Several factors have contributed to this dramatic rise in asylum claims:
Path to Permanent Residency: Many international students view studying in Canada as a stepping stone to permanent residency. The country’s policies, which encourage students to seek permanent status after completing their studies, have reinforced this perception.
Work Opportunities: Canada allows international students to work part-time during their studies and full-time during breaks. This opportunity to gain work experience and earn income makes the country an attractive destination for those intending to settle permanently.
Global Conflicts: Increasing global unrest and conflicts in students’ home countries may prevent them from returning, leading to asylum claims[3].
Economic Pressures: Rising living costs in Canada, particularly in housing, have made it difficult for some international students to afford their studies. This financial strain may lead some to consider alternative ways to remain in the country[3].
Implications and Challenges
The surge in asylum claims from international students presents several challenges:
Strain on Resources: The increase in applications puts pressure on Canada’s social services and housing systems, which are already struggling to accommodate a growing population.
Immigration System Integrity: There are concerns that some individuals may be misusing the study permit system as a means to enter and remain in Canada, potentially undermining the integrity of the immigration process.
Public Perception: The situation risks eroding public confidence in the immigration system, potentially leading to a backlash against legitimate immigration and asylum claims.
Potential Solutions
To address these challenges, experts and policymakers are considering several approaches:
Strengthening the Study Permit System: Implementing more rigorous controls and background checks for international students could help prevent misuse of the system.
Enhancing Integration Support: Providing better assistance for international students to integrate into Canadian society, including job search support and cultural orientation programs, may reduce the number of asylum applications.
Addressing Root Causes: It’s crucial to tackle the underlying factors driving students to seek asylum, including clarifying the requirements and limitations of the study permit program.
Public Education: Raising awareness about the benefits of international students and the importance of a fair immigration system could help counter negative perceptions.
As Canada continues to be a popular destination for international students, finding a balance between maintaining an open and welcoming environment and ensuring the integrity of its immigration system remains a key challenge. The government’s response to this surge in asylum claims will likely shape the future of Canada’s immigration policies and its reputation as a destination for international students.
The following are the top 10 Canadian Universities of 2025 according to QS World University Rankings!
A bit about QS World University Rankings first. This list is a portfolio of comparative college and university rankings compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds. Quacquarelli Symonds is a higher education analyst headquartered in London with offices in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Each year, they publish several rankings, including: QS Rankings by Subject, QS Best Student City, and QS Business Masters Rankings.
Today we talk about their list: QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities, and what Canadian institutions made it to the top 10!
1. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the Toronto based University has been consistently one of the top Universities in Canada. In fact, out of the last 4 years, University of Toronto has been the highest ranked University in 3 of those years, with the only exception being 2023, where it came in at second place. The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Some notable alumni include Margaret Atwood and former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Finally, I will mention that while the University of Toronto ranks first in Canada, it also comes in at 25th on the world!
2. McGill University
Based in Montreal, McGill University ranks among Canada’s most prestigious universities, attracting thousands of international students from over 150 countries every year, and the highest percentage of PhD students of any Canadian research university. It’s important to note that even though it is based in the francophone province of Quebec, McGill University an English-languagepublic research university. McGill University owes its reputation to its 50 research centers and institutes, 400+ programs, rich history and thriving alumni network of 250,000 people around the globe. It is also worth noting that in 2023, it was the highest ranked University in Canada! Finally, McGill University ranks 29th on the world.
3. University of British Columbia
The UBC is a public Universitybased in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is recognized internationally for excellence in teaching and research as well as global impact. Established in 1908, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. Some notable alumni include prime minister Justin Trudeau and astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason.
4. University of Alberta
The UofA is located in Alberta’s capital, Edmonton. It is one of the world’s top 100 teaching and research universities, and U of A ranks among the top 5 in Canada, providing a $19.4 billion annual economic impact in Alberta alone. It is a publicinstitution that was founded in 1908. It is worth noting that the University of Alberta has five different campuses, including a francophone campus!
5. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a public University located in Waterloo, Ontario. In 1957, the University of Waterloo opened its doors to 74 engineering students with co-operative education as its cornerstone. The university was then formally established in 1959. Notable alumni include Kevin O’Leary.
6. Western University
Western University is located in London, Ontario. It is a public research university, and it operates twelve academic faculties and schools. The university was established in March 1878. In 2025, Western University ranks 6th on Canada, and 120th on the world. Notable alumni include Alice Munro and David Furnish.
7. Université de Montréal
The Université de Montréal is a public university located in Montreal, Quebec. The University was founded in 1878. It is a French-language University, so the main language of instruction is French. The university ranks 7th in Canada, and 159th on the world. Notable alumni include former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Pierre Karl Péladeau.
8. McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university in Hamilton, Ontario. The university is a one-hour drive from Toronto and a one-hour flight from major American hubs New York City, Washington D.C and Chicago. It was established in April 1887, and currently, McMaster ranks 176th on the world. Notable alumni include Eric Chong, Pokimane, and Sheila Singh.
9. University of Ottawa
uOttawa (as often referred to) is a public research university in Ottawa, Ontario. The university is a bilingual institution, so make sure to double check the language of instruction of your program! It was established in 1848. In 2025, uOttawa ranks 9th in Canada, and 189th on the world. Notable alumni include Anaida Poilievre, Alex Trebek, and Alex Munter.
10. Queen’s University at Kingston
Queen’s University or simply Queen’s, is a public research university in Kingston, Ontario. The university is among the top medical-doctoral universities in Canada. It was established in October 1841. The university is home of 2015 Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Arthur B. McDonald, and notable alumni include Elon Musk and William Aberhart. The city where the university is located, Kingston, has been lauded as one of the Top 5 university towns in the world, Top 10 best small cities in North America for lifestyle, and has been named the Smartest City in Canada – with the most PhDs per capita.
11. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta. The university started as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta, but was formally established in 1966. While UofC ranks 11th on Canada, it ranks 198th on the world. Notable alumni include Stephen J. Harper, Naheed Nenshi, and Danielle Smith.
And that’s the end of the list! I know I said “Top 10”, but I just had to include the UofC at the end, because even though it just missed out on top 10, it’s the University I graduated from!
If you do have any questions or concerns, either leave a comment or shoot me a message, and I’ll get back to you asap!
