Studying Abroad and PGWP Eligibility: Starting a Program between Sept. 1, 2022 and Sept. 1, 2024 | I am an international student | Seneca Students

Your ability to study online from your home country depends on when you started your PGWP-eligible program and how your courses are delivered.

The Government of Canada has announced an extension to the policy changes to current PGWP eligibility requirements related to studying abroad. These temporary measures will be in effect until Sept. 1, 2024.

To be eligible, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• have a study permit
• been approved for a study permit
• submitted a study permit application prior to beginning your program that was eventually approved

If you are eligible and have started or will start a PGWP-eligible program in September 2022, January 2023, May 2023, September 2023, January 2024 or May 2024:

• You must complete at least 50 per cent of your program in Canada
• If your program includes courses with required in-class learning activities (e.g., hybrid or in-person delivery), you must be in Canada and come to campus for your classes. Program delivery information for each program is available on program pages.
• Your classes in Canada may be delivered online and/or in Seneca’s flexible, hybrid or in-person format and you must meet all the other PGWP requirements
• Any study time you complete abroad after Sept. 1, 2024 will be deducted from the length of your PGWP
• Beginning Sept. 1, 2024, at least 50 per cent of your program must be completed in class. This includes in-person, hybrid or flexible program delivery

Important Note:
This means, if you started a one-year (two semester) PGWP eligible program in the September 2023 Term and you completed the first semester from abroad, you must travel to complete your final semester (the January 2024 Term) in Canada for 50 per cent of your program to be completed in Canada. 

This also applies to students in bundled graduate certificates who are completing two, one-year graduate certificate programs in consecutive years. If you are starting your first or second graduate certificate between Sept. 1, 2022 and Sept. 1, 2024 from abroad, you must travel to complete your final semester in Canada in order for 50 per cent of your program to be completed in Canada. The Government of Canada considers bundled graduate certificates to be two, separate one-year programs for immigration and PGWP purposes — not a two-year program.

You are encouraged to travel to Canada as soon as you are able to and it is highly recommended that you choose in-class course options when available. In-class options include hybrid, flexible and in-person delivery. If your situation allows you to study from your home country, please ensure your courses are offered in an online or flexible format.