Canada Unveils Updated Eligibility Requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits

Beginning on November 1, 2024, Canada plans to make significant modifications to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). Find out about the increased language requirements and the particular fields of study associated with long-term shortage occupations, among other new qualifying conditions.

Aiming to handle the increasing number of temporary residents, Canada has announced significant revisions to its Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) criteria. With effect from November 1, 2024, these modifications will provide new requirements for international students to meet to be eligible.

Key Changes in PGWP Requirements

Students wishing to apply for a PGWP must begin meeting new eligibility requirements on November 1, 2024, depending on their field of study and study program. To be eligible, students need to:

• Finish a course of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) that qualifies for the PGWP.
• Meet all standards, including those specific to the site.
• If the study program has a field of study requirement, candidates must have completed degrees in fields where there is a sustained scarcity of workers. Five categories include these fields:

1. 1. 1. Healthcare
      2. Agriculture and Agri-Food
      3. Trade and Transport
      4. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), all you have to do is apply before November 1, 2024, and you simply need to meet the present requirements. On the other hand, applications received after this date will adhere to the updated rules.

New Application Eligibility Before November 1, 2024

If you applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, you will need to fulfill the following extra conditions when you apply for a PGWP after that date:

University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree):

1. Language Requirement

Evidence of English or French language competency at CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in each of the four language domains (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

• Additional University Program Alums: Minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in each of the four language areas is the language requirement.
• Graduates of College Programs: Minimum CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in each of the four language areas is the language requirement.

2. Field of Study Requirement

• Must be a graduate of an approved program of study.

What About the PGWP Program Hasn’t Changed

When the amendments take effect on November 1, 2024, a few essential requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility stay the same:

• General and Physical Location Requirements: To be eligible for a PGWP, applicants must still fulfill the current general and physical location requirements. Even after November 1, 2024, all candidates are subject to this.
• Current Eligibility Requirements: The sole requirements to be eligible for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, are that you must meet the eligibility conditions as of right now.
• Graduates of Flight Schools Eligible for the PGWP: The new regulations don’t affect you if you’re a graduate of a flight school that qualifies for the PGWP. Even if you apply after November 1, 2024, you will still meet the current eligibility requirements.

This indicates that although most applicants will see changes, those who apply in these particular situations won’t be impacted by the new standards.

Requirements for PGWP Applications in Language

All PGWP candidates are required to exhibit their fluency in either English or French in four domains:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

It is required that the test results you submit with your application be no older than two years. We accept the following language test results:

It is important to note that Canada uses the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English. When applying, test results must have been completed no more than two years ago.

Final Thoughts

The goal of these PGWP modifications is to more closely match Canadian labor market demands with international schooling. To increase their chances of receiving a work permit, students who want to apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, should make sure they match the current language and field of study standards.

To take advantage of Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit chances, be aware and plan!