Effective November 1, 2024, Canada's Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement updated regulations for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, introducing stricter criteria for applicants.

Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility

1. Revised Language Proficiency Requirements
2. Field of Study Restrictions
3. Mandatory Proof of Language Proficiency

 

New Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following language standards, which vary based on the degree or diploma completed:

Program Type	English Requirement	French Requirement
University bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degrees	CLB 7 in all skills	NCLC 7 in all skills
Other university programs	CLB 7 in all skills	NCLC 7 in all skills
College programs and other types	CLB 5 in all skills	NCLC 5 in all skills

 

Proof of Language Proficiency:

Applicants are required to submit language test results that are no more than two years old at the time of application. Accepted tests include:

English Tests	French Tests
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General)	TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
IELTS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS General Training)	TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English (PTE Core)

 

Field of Study Restrictions:

While university graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees are not subject to field of study restrictions, other university program graduates and college program graduates must complete studies in an eligible field to qualify.

 

Eligibility Criteria Before November 1, 2024:

For applications submitted before November 1, 2024, the following language proficiency standards apply:

Graduate Category	Language Requirement
Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a university	CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French
Other university programs	CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French
College programs or other non-listed programs	CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French

 

 

Eligibility Criteria on or After November 1, 2024

For applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, the following changes take effect:

Graduate Category	Language Requirement	Field of Study Requirement
Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a university	CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French	No restrictions
Other university programs	CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French	Must graduate from an eligible field of study
College programs or other non-listed programs	CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French	Must graduate from an eligible field of study

 

Eligible Fields of Study

Graduates subject to field of study restrictions must complete a program aligned with occupations facing long-term labor shortages. These eligible fields are grouped into five broad categories:

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Trades
• Transportation

 

What Continues to Remain Unchanged

Some aspects of the PGWP program remain the same:

• General and physical location eligibility requirements still apply.
• Applicants must complete their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) eligible for PGWP.
• Applications submitted before November 1, 2024, will be assessed under the current eligibility criteria.
• Graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools will continue to be evaluated under existing guidelines, even after November 1, 2024.

 

Effects on International Students and Canadian Immigration

These new rules mark a shift in how Canada seeks to retain international talent. By implementing stricter language proficiency and field of study requirements, the government aims to ensure PGWP recipients are well-prepared to contribute to areas facing labor shortages. Future international students must carefully plan their studies to align with these new requirements to successfully build careers in Canada.

 

Getting ready for the updated PGWP Requirements

To meet these updated criteria, international students and graduates should:

• Enhance their language skills well in advance of their PGWP application.
• Choose study programs that align with eligible fields of study, especially if pursuing non-bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs.
• Stay informed of any new updates or clarifications from IRCC regarding these changes.

 

Professional Assistance for PGWP Applications

Navigating the updated PGWP regulations can be complex. If you're an international student or recent graduate aiming to work in Canada, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is here to assist. We provide tailored support to help you successfully navigate the PGWP application process.

Don't let these changes hinder your plans. Contact Zane Immigration today to ensure your post-graduation journey in Canada stays on course.

Call us: +1 289-541-4261

Email us: [email protected] 

Visit us: https://zaneimmigration.ca/