Important Update from Mohawk College on changes to international student program

What programs are eligible for PGWP?
We understand that program eligibility can be one of the many reasons you choose to pursue your education with Mohawk. Choosing the right program is essential, and we’re proud to offer many programs that currently align with Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Please review Mohawk College's published PGWP-aligned programs webpage.

New Incoming Students 

Is Mohawk College a public or private institution, and does it have PGWP-eligible programs?
Mohawk College is a publicly funded institution accredited by Ontario's Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Our list of PGWP-aligned programs has been published and will continue to be updated. Mohawk is still accepting applications from international students – apply online today!

I have applied, but my program is no longer eligible for a PGWP. Can I change it to a PGWP-aligned program?
If your program is no longer eligible for PGWP, but you applied for your study visa before November 1, 2024, you are exempted from the field of study requirement. You can continue to pursue the program stated in your letter of acceptance.

However, if you did not apply for a study visa before November 1, 2024, and your program no longer qualifies for a PGWP after graduation, you may request a program change to an available Mohawk PGWP-aligned programs on the International Application Update Request form. 

I applied for my study permit before November 1, 2024. How do the changes affect me?
If you applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024, you are exempt from the field of study requirement and can proceed with enrolling in your intended program. 

However, upon graduation, you must meet the language ability requirement when you submit your PGWP application.

I plan to begin my studies in 2025 and apply for a study permit after November 1, 2024. How do the updates affect me?
If you are a prospective student applying for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, your eligibility for a PGWP depends on whether your program is on the PGWP-aligned program list and whether you meet the minimum language proficiency now required by the government upon graduation.

You can view the list of Mohawk College programs that are PGWP-aligned. This list will continue to be updated. 

Can I study a program that is not on Mohawk's PGWP eligibility list?
Yes, you may enroll in a program that is not on Mohawk's Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility list. We understand that not all international students are interested in applying for a work permit after graduation and may decide to return to their home country upon completing their program.

Before enrolling in a program that does not qualify for PGWP, and after you have paid your full tuition fees, Mohawk College will require you to sign an acknowledgment letter. This letter will confirm that you have received and understood this information.

I applied for my PGWP before November 1, 2024. How do these changes affect me?
If you applied for your PGWP before November 1st, 2024, you are exempt from the IRCC announcements on September 18, 2024 i.e. language ability and field of study requirement.

I am a current student at Mohawk. How do these changes affect me?
If your program was PGWP eligible when you began your studies, it will be eligible for a PGWP after November 1, 2024.

However, when applying for your PGWP, you must now demonstrate language ability at the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 5) in all four tested categories: writing, reading, listening, and speaking, through IRCC-approved tests.

I am applying for my PGWP. What English Proficiency tests must I take to prove my language ability?
A list of the acceptable Language tests can be found on the IRCC website. Note your test results must be less than 2 years old.

I completed an English Proficiency when I was admitted to Mohawk. Do I need to do it again for my PGWP application?
Yes, the PGWP application is separate from Mohawk’s admission process. Students must submit the required results of an IRCC-approved language test, which must not be older than two years at the time of application.

Can I apply for a PGWP if I study online from inside Canada?
The time you spend studying online from within Canada until August 31, 2024, still counts toward the length of your PGWP.

The temporary policy change for in-Canada students studying online ended on August 31, 2024. On or after September 1, 2024. students must complete at least 50% of their program in class inside Canada, and any time spent studying outside of Canada will be deducted from the length of your PGWP

I am studying at Mohawk Mississauga. Is my program still eligible for a PGWP?
As part of the changes to the PGWP program, students studying at private career colleges will no longer be eligible for post-graduate work permits. This includes private colleges in partnership with public colleges. Mohawk College’s Mississauga campus is in partnership with TriOS College and will be impacted by this change. As a result of this change to PGWPs, Mohawk College will not be offering new program intakes at the Mississauga campus starting in September 2024. 

All currently enrolled students remain eligible for a PGWP as long as they meet the requirements. If you are applying for PGWP after November 1st, 2024 you you must now demonstrate language ability at the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 5) in all four tested categories: writing, reading, listening, and speaking, through IRCC-approved tests.

What is a provincial attestation letter?
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a required supporting document from the province where you plan to study and is necessary for your initial study permit application. 

How do I apply for a PAL?
To receive a PAL, you must first be admitted to Mohawk College. We will issue an Offer of Acceptance, which will include the tuition payment deadline. After we receive your payment, we will provide a Letter of Acceptance, a receipt for your fees, and the PAL. You can then use these documents to apply for your study permit.

How long is a PAL valid for?
Your PAL needs to be valid at the time of study permit application to IRCC. You can locate the expiry date on the PAL issued by the province of Ontario.  If your PAL has expired and you require a new one to apply for your study permit, please contact the applicant support team. 

What if I want to change schools?
Ideally, you should be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on your study permit. Before changing learning institutions, you must apply and be approved for a new study permit. Students can no longer change DLIs through their IRCC account.

How does this announcement affect spouses of current students?
As of March 19, 2024, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master's and doctoral programs. Spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible for these permits.

As of November 8, 2024, eligible students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit during an academic session. Make sure you meet the other requirements for working while you study.