If you’re a recent graduate or planning to complete your studies in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to stay and work in Canada. However, changes to PGWP eligibility will come into effect on November 1, 2024. It’s important to understand these updates so you can prepare accordingly.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what stays the same.
What Remains Unchanged
Even after November 1, 2024, some general eligibility criteria for the PGWP will continue as before. You must:
- Complete your study program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is PGWP eligible.
- Meet physical location requirements as set out by IRCC.
If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you only need to meet the current eligibility criteria. The same applies to graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools, regardless of when you apply.
New Eligibility Requirements
If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024:
If you apply for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, you’ll need to meet the new criteria that apply to your specific situation:
- For bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees from a university: You’ll need to provide proof of your language ability, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level of 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 in French in all four areas—reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- For other university programs: The same language requirement (CLB 7 or NCLC 7) applies to these graduates as well.
- For college or other programs: You must meet a minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four language areas.
If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024:
There are new eligibility conditions based on your level and field of study:
- University graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees: You need a minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French for all four language skills, but there are no additional field-of-study requirements.
- Other university programs: You’ll also need a minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French, but you must graduate from an eligible field of study.
- College or other programs: A minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French is required, and you must graduate from an eligible field of study.
Proof of Language Ability
Your language test results, which must be less than two years old at the time of your PGWP application, are essential to demonstrate your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Acceptable tests include:
- For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, or PTE Core.
- For French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
Field of Study Requirements
For some graduates, your study program must be tied to occupations experiencing long-term shortages. Eligible fields of study include:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Trade
- Transport
Need Help Understanding Your PGWP Eligibility?
With the new changes approaching, understanding your eligibility is crucial. Contact Invicta Law Corporation today to get a personalized assessment of your PGWP eligibility and navigate the application process with confidence.
