There has been a dramatic rise in the number of International students in Canada obtaining Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This is based on a recent study by Statistics Canada.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible foreign graduates to work within Canada for up to three years. This is dependent on the length of their study program. Having a Canadian degree alongside Canadian work experience augments the access of International Students to a panoply of Canada’s economic-class immigration programs.
The PGWP can only be gotten once in a lifetime and is not renewable or extendable. The study evaluated labour market participation over a 10 year period leading up to 2018.
There was a 1200% rise in the number of PGWP holders reporting incomes. The number stood at 135,000 in 2018 compared to 10,300 in 2008. There was also an observed rise in the median annual earnings of PGWP holders from $14,500 to $26,800. This is also symptomatic of increase in the average amount of labour input.
Around 75% of all PGWP holders eventually obtain permanent residency within 5 years of receiving their PGWP.
