What Happens if You Change Programs After Starting Your PGWP-Eligible Program?

What Happens if You Change Programs After Starting Your PGWP-Eligible Program?
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The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the most valuable immigration pathways for international students in Canada. It allows graduates of eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain Canadian work experience, which later helps them qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

But a common concern among students is:

“What if I change my program of study after starting my PGWP-eligible course? Will this affect my work permit eligibility?”

This article breaks down the issue in detail, covering IRCC guidelines, practical scenarios, and the risks you should avoid.

Understanding PGWP Eligibility Basics

Before diving into program changes, let’s quickly revisit the core eligibility criteria for PGWP:

  • You must complete a full-time program at a recognized DLI (Designated Learning Institution).

  • The program must be at least 8 months in length.

  • You must apply within 180 days after receiving your final marks or graduation confirmation.

  • Programs that are PGWP-eligible are typically diploma, degree, or certificate courses from public colleges, universities, or authorized private institutions.

IRCC maintains an updated list of PGWP-eligible DLIs.

Changing Programs: The Scenarios

Changing programs during your studies is common—students sometimes realize their chosen program doesn’t align with career goals or academic interests. However, how and when you switch matters for PGWP.

Here are the most common scenarios:

Scenario

PGWP Impact

Notes

Change to another PGWP-eligible program at the same DLI

✅ Still Eligible

Safe if you maintain full-time status and program meets length criteria.

Change to another PGWP-eligible program at a different DLI

✅ Still Eligible

Ensure new DLI is PGWP-approved. Report change to IRCC via MyCIC account.

Change to a non-PGWP-eligible program (e.g., private career college)

❌ Not Eligible

Even if your first program was eligible, final program must be eligible.

Withdraw from first program and restart later

⚠️ Risky

A gap in studies may affect eligibility unless you maintain status and study continuously.

Change mid-way but both programs combined meet length requirement

✅ Eligible

Example: two consecutive 1-year diplomas = 2 years → 3-year PGWP.


IRCC’s Official Stand

IRCC clearly states that:

“To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have completed and graduated from a program of study that is eligible and meets the requirements at the time of your application.”

This means the final program you graduate from is what determines your PGWP eligibility—not the one you started with.

So if you switch from a PGWP-eligible program to one that is not eligible, you will lose your right to apply for a PGWP.

Mistakes Students Make When Changing Programs

Changing programs seems straightforward, but many students unknowingly make mistakes that affect PGWP eligibility:

  1. Not checking PGWP eligibility of the new program/DLI – Always verify on IRCC’s official list.

  2. Taking unauthorized breaks – Gaps in study periods can jeopardize your full-time status.

  3. Not updating IRCC about program/DLI change – Failure to report changes may cause future refusals.

  4. Assuming part-time final semester is okay in all cases – It’s allowed in most programs, but rules differ; always confirm.

  5. Switching too late – If you’re already near graduation, switching might extend study time unnecessarily and impact finances.

Case Study Examples

Case

Student’s Action

Outcome

Bob starts a 2-year diploma at a public college, switches after 1 semester to a different 2-year program at the same college.

Still eligible. The final program is PGWP-approved and continuous full-time studies.

✅ Gets 3-year PGWP.

Lisa starts a PGWP-eligible Bachelor’s at a university, and transfers to a private career college diploma (not eligible).

Loses PGWP eligibility.

❌ Cannot apply for PGWP.

Steven completes a 1-year diploma, then another 1-year diploma at the same college.

Eligible for 3-year PGWP (IRCC allows combining programs).

✅ Approved.

Maria takes a 6-month break while switching programs.

Risk of ineligibility due to unauthorized leave.

⚠️ May require strong justification.


Best Practices If You Plan to Change Programs

To protect your PGWP eligibility:

  • Confirm eligibility before switching – Check IRCC’s DLI list.

  • Maintain full-time enrollment – except in your last semester.

  • Keep study gaps minimal – Authorized leaves (medical/family reasons) may be accepted but must be documented.

  • Inform IRCC – Use your online account to notify them about DLI/program change.

  • Combine programs smartly – Two or more eligible programs can extend your PGWP duration.

Key Takeaway

If you change programs after starting your PGWP-eligible course, the final program you graduate from determines your eligibility. As long as it’s PGWP-approved, full-time, and meets the minimum duration, you will remain eligible.

But if you switch to a non-eligible program, you risk losing your work permit opportunity—no matter how much time or money you invested in the first course.

Final Words

Changing programs in Canada is not uncommon, but when it comes to PGWP, you must be strategic. Always:

  • Check the eligibility of the new program.

  • Maintain legal student status.

  • Update IRCC promptly.

Remember, the PGWP is a one-time opportunity, and losing it could impact your permanent residency goals.