The number of international students getting Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) has increased significantly, a new Statistics Canada study revealed. These permits allow them to work in Canada for up to three years. With the right education and work experience, holders of the PGWP can get in touch with many immigration programs in Canada.
From 2008 to 2018, the number of PGWP holders with income grew by over 13 times in size from 10,300 to 135,100. The participation rate of the program has remained relatively steady at around three-quarters. Over the years, the median annual earnings of holders have increased. This suggests that their labour input has increased.
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The annual earnings of holders have increased from CAD14,500 to CAD26,800 since 2008. Almost three-fourths of the individuals who obtained a PGWP within five years after applying became permanent residents. This suggests that the experience gained during their stay in Canada boosted their chances of being selected as an immigrant.
In 2018, the majority of Post-Graduation Work Program holders came from China and India. The two countries made up 66% of the permits issued in 2018. China's share of international students obtaining PGWPs decreased from 41% to 20%. India's share of international students obtaining PGWPs increased significantly.
British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario were the regions that most of the holders planned to work in during their stay in Canada. In 2018, the number of holders planning on working in British Columbia decreased by 16%, while those in Quebec decreased by 11%.
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Iran was the country with the highest median earnings in 2018 andPakistan, China, and Nigeria were the lowest-earning countries. The highest-earning regions were those in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. The lowest-earning areas were in Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.
From 2008 to 2018, the earnings of holders in Newfoundland and Labrador increased at a faster pace than those in other provinces. The median earnings of holders in 2018 were similar to those of Canadian workers. They were mostly being paid in the oil and gas industry.
Most of the lowest-earning areas were those that deal with administrative and support services, education, and food and accommodation services. Over the 10-year reference period, the earnings of holders in these industries grew at a faster pace than those in the lowest-earning areas.
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To be eligible for the program, you must have graduated from a program of at least eight months duration at a Canadian Designated Learning institution. Students who have completed their studies online during the period from March 2020 to August 2022 may also count toward their eligibility. Programs that have been in existence for at least two years may also be eligible for a three-year PGWP.
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Source: CIC News
