For many international students, the term ‘PGWP’ brings with it a mix of excitement and anticipation. The prospect of obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit and staying in Canada to gain valuable work experience is an enticing opportunity for many. However, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes and developments. In this article, we’ll explore the most recent updates to the PGWP program and eligibility requirements.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada to gain valuable work experience by working for a Canadian employer. The PGWP is an attractive option for many international students, as it provides a pathway to permanent residency and helps to establish a career in Canada.

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The list of eligible DLIs is maintained by the IRCC, and it can be found on the IRCC website.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html#wb-auto-21

 It’s important to verify that the institution you’re planning to attend is on this list, as this will ensure that you’re eligible for the PGWP upon graduation. In addition to being a graduate of an eligible program at a DLI, you may also be interested to know that the Canadian government has identified five priority fields of study for the PGWP program which are:

1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
2. Agriculture and Agri-Food
3. Healthcare
4. Trade
5. Transport

Graduates in these fields may have an advantage when applying for a PGWP.

The Canadian government recently announced new changes to the PGWP program, which came into effect on November 1^st, 2024. These changes affect students who apply for a PGWP on or after this date. For more information on the new eligibility requirements and priority fields visit the IRCC website.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html#wb–auto-5

In addition to the information provided by the IRCC, some institutions have released their own lists of programs that are eligible for the PGWP. These lists can be found on the websites of individual universities and colleges. We recommend visiting the website of the institution you’re interested in to find out if your program is eligible for the PGWP.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about the PGWP program, as well as other developments in international education, follow us on social media.

We’ll keep you informed on all the latest developments so you can make the best decisions about your education and career.

New migration rules in Australia are leading to an increase in visa rejection rates, causing concern for international students hoping to study in the country. Some educational institutions have even withdrawn admission offers to students under the new “Genuine Student Test”, making it harder for many to achieve their goal of studying abroad.

Australia’s new migration strategy – announced in late 2023 and in effect now – has led to significant confusion and disruption in the international education sector as it is disproportionately affecting prospective students from key sending markets. From sharply increased visa rejection rates to slow visa processing to – in some cases – rescinded offers from Australian institutions, international students are feeling the impact of Australia’s strategy to reduce migration levels.

Under Australia’s new migration settings, prospective students must now prove a higher level of savings and a higher level of English proficiency, and must pass a “Genuine Student Test.” But there are complaints that there is a lack of transparency regarding exactly why one visa is refused and another accepted – and even a suggestion that many students are being refused because their own economy offers fewer job prospects than Australia’s does.

Dirk Mulder, the founder of the influential industry journal The Koala News, says that he has obtained wording from visa rejection letters and “while they do change from officer to officer and post to post the following is consistent:”

“[Wording in rejection letter] I have considered all the information provided with the visa application. Given the comparatively greater economic opportunities in Australia and the applicant’s own country, I am not satisfied that the applicant is a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student.”

Institutions scramble to avoid being penalised

Many institutions are alarmed about the high rejection rates because rejections are pinned to institutions and influence their ability to recruit students successfully. Here’s why:

• When introducing the reforms, the government warned that providers judged to be at “higher risk” [of accepting unsuitable students or providing sub-par education/supports] would experience slower visa processing times. This refers to a long-standing system in which institutions are categorised into one of three levels: 1 is least risk, 2 is medium risk, and 3 is high risk, where risk refers to the likelihood of accepting non-genuine students based on (recent) historical data.
• Suffice to say that an institution’s ability to meet its recruitment and admissions targets becomes much more unpredictable if it finds itself categorized as in Level 3, and high visa refusal rates are a major determinant of whether an institution finds itself in that category (other factors are fraudulent applications and students who overstay their visas).

In addition, the “risk list” is expected to be updated soon, heightening concern about extending enrolment offers to students who might be refused a visa. 

Concern about potential visa refusals has reached such a level that some universities have withdrawn confirmations of enrolment to students they feared would not have their visas approved. Meanwhile, other international schools have chosen to limit the countries from which they will accept applications in a bid to increase its visa approval rate.

Source:

ICEF Monitor

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that
the Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to
stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in
approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023. In the spirit of
fairness, individual provincial and territorial caps have been established, weighted by population,
which will result in much more significant decreases in provinces where the international student
population has seen the most unsustainable growth. Study permit renewals will not be impacted.
Those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are not
included in the cap. Current study permit holders will not be affected.

For more infomation click on the link below:

Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new international student permits issued to approximately 360,000 for 2024 – Can

As of 8:30 am ET on January 22, 2024, most students must include a provincial attestation letter
(PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application.
In most cases, if you apply without a PAL, your application will be returned with fees.

Study permit: Get the right documents – Canada.ca

Applying for a study permit extension on or after January 30, 2024. On January 30, 2024, a new
version of the study permit extension application form (IMM5709) will be available. If you
apply through the IRCC secure account on or after this date, you must use the new version of the
form.
Source:
Home – Canada.ca

Study in Poland

Are you exploring the option of studying in Poland? Poland is fast becoming an education hub, but it comes with certain pros and cons.

Poland has lots to offer international students. It has several English taught programs at affordable tuition, world-class universities, opportunity to work while studying, as well as a much lower cost of living than many European nations, making it the perfect place for those living on a student budget.

Drawbacks include Language barrier. Most communication is in Polish and some documents are even issued in Polish language. There are limited job opportunities and of late it has become difficult to get visa appointments.

 Benefits

1. Several English-taught programs
2. World-class universities
3. Affordable tuition
4. Opportunity to work while studying
5. Several paid internships
6. Large international student community

Drawbacks

1. Language barrier. Most communication is in Polish , some documents issued in Polish languge
2. Limited Job opportunities
3. Difficult to get visa appointment

There is a Difference between Legalization and Nostrification……..

Applying to Polish Universities involves Legalization and Nostrification of Documents.

Legalization is basically authentication of documents. This means the affirmation of their authenticity, which gives the legal force outside the borders of the country of issue. Legalisation shows that: the document was issued by an official authority and makes the document suitable for use in another country. This involves the official from the Ministry certifying that the document is authentic and putting the seal. Legalization must be done in your country (in the country of issue of the diploma/ high school certificate). The method of legalization depends on the country of origin of your high school diploma/certificate. In Zimbabwe documents are certified and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (legal and consular department). One needs to schedule an appointment via email to get their documents legalized. The email address is legalconsular@gmail.com.

Nostrification is the recognition of a foreign certificate by the Polish Education Office. The successfully passed procedure of nostrification will ascertain whether a student has learned a sufficient number of subjects that qualifies them to pursue the program applied for. Nostrification of certificates is approved by The Education office (Kuratorium Oświaty) in Poland. You need to submit it to the Admission Office upon arrival in Poland, before the end of the first semester of study.