IRCC Ends ‘Grandfathering’ for Study Permit Extensions
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The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced changes to its policies regarding the extension of study permits for students who have switched their programme of study. Under the new rules, students who have altered their course from the one listed in their letter of acceptance will lose their ‘grandfathered’ status and will no longer be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion of their studies.
This new stipulation was revealed during a webinar on 29 November, following the introduction of updated PGWP eligibility criteria in October. These changes, effective from 1 November, now restrict PGWP eligibility to students who have enrolled in one of the 966 approved study programmes, which align with Canada’s labour market needs. The update was shared in technical briefings but is yet to be published on the IRCC website.
Previously, students who held study permits before 1 November were ‘grandfathered’ into PGWP eligibility, even if their programme didn’t match the new criteria. However, under the new rules, if such students change their programme and require an extension to their study permit, they will no longer be eligible for a PGWP unless they switch to a programme on the approved list.
This policy shift has sparked concern from academic institutions across Canada, with some, such as the College of the Rockies in British Columbia, warning that it could have detrimental effects on students and the broader education sector.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller defended the changes, emphasising the importance of maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. However, critics argue that the new rules are out of touch with the realities of the student experience and could negatively impact international students.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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