If you’re an international student studying in Canada and planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), it’s essential to stay updated on recent changes to the eligibility criteria. The new guidelines will impact your application process depending on when you submit your study permit application. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know, whether you applied before or after November 1, 2024.

PGWP Eligibility for Study Permits Submitted Before November 1, 2024

For those who submitted their study permit applications before November 1, 2024, there are a few changes you need to be aware of when applying for a PGWP:

1. Graduates from Universities
   If you’ve earned a degree from a university, you’ll now need to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. To meet the language requirement, you must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) in all four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
2. Graduates from Colleges or Other Programs
   If you graduated from a college or a program not listed under university degrees, you will need to meet a slightly lower language requirement of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language areas, either in English or French.

These language requirements are a new addition, and if you’re applying after November 1, 2024, you’ll need to ensure your language test results are less than two years old at the time of submission. Accepted tests for English include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Pearson Test of English (PTE Core). For French, you can submit results from Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada).

PGWP Eligibility for Study Permits Submitted On or After November 1, 2024

The criteria for those who apply for their study permit after November 1, 2024, are more stringent. Here’s what will change:

1. Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD
   You must demonstrate proficiency at CLB level 7 or NCLC level 7 in all four language areas, regardless of your degree program.
2. Graduates from University Programs Not Listed Above
   University graduates from other programs (those outside of the eligible fields of study) must also meet the same language proficiency requirement of CLB 7  or NCLC 7 in all four areas. Additionally, your field of study must fall within specific eligible categories (detailed below).
3. College or Other Graduates
   If you graduated from a college program or any other non-university program, the language requirement remains at CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four areas. However, you must have completed a program in one of the eligible fields of study to qualify for the PGWP.

Eligible Fields of Study

A new focus is being placed on programs that fall within certain high-demand fields, specifically to address Canada’s long-term labor shortages. These fields are divided into five broad categories:

• Agriculture and Agri-food
• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trades
• Transport

Graduates who have completed programs in these areas will have a smoother path to PGWP approval.

What Remains Unchanged?

The foundational eligibility requirements for the PGWP remain the same in some aspects:

• You must have studied at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Your study program must meet the physical location and length of study requirements.
• If you apply for the PGWP before November 1, 2024, the current eligibility criteria apply, even if you attend a PGWP-eligible flight school.

Planning Ahead

These upcoming changes emphasize the importance of planning your educational and career journey in Canada carefully. If you’re graduating soon, double-check your program, field of study, and language proficiency to ensure you meet the updated criteria. If you’re planning to apply for a study permit after November 1, 2024, it’s wise to start preparing for language proficiency exams and ensuring your program aligns with one of the eligible fields of study.

These new policies are designed to align Canada’s immigration pathways with the country’s labor market needs, so understanding these changes will help you navigate the PGWP application process smoothly.

Stay informed and prepare accordingly so you can maximize your chances of successfully obtaining a PGWP and launching your career in Canada!

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