If you’re an international student planning to stay and work in Canada after graduation, you probably know about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Recently, the Canadian government announced some changes to the eligibility criteria, especially for those applying after November 1, 2024. Here’s a breakdown of what has changed and what hasn’t.
What Hasn’t Changed
The basic requirements to be eligible for a PGWP remain the same:
- You must complete a program of study at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- You need to apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, to follow the current eligibility rules.
- Graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools also follow the current criteria, even if they apply after November 1, 2024.
If these conditions apply to you, the new changes won’t affect your PGWP eligibility.
New PGWP Eligibility Requirements (After November 1, 2024)
For those applying on or after November 1, 2024, new requirements apply based on when you submitted your study permit application and the type of degree you’ve completed.
1. For Study Permit Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024:
If you applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024, and are applying for a PGWP after that date, here are the key changes:
- University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree):
- Language Requirement: You must prove your language skills in English or French with at least a CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) or NCLC 7 (French) in all four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Graduates of Other University Programs:
- Language Requirement: Same as above—CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
- College or Other Program Graduates:
- Language Requirement: You need to meet a minimum language level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four language abilities.
2. For Study Permit Applications Submitted On or After November 1, 2024:
If you applied for your study permit after November 1, 2024, the new PGWP eligibility requirements are more specific.
- University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree):
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
- Field of Study: Any field of study is eligible, so there are no additional study-related restrictions.
- Graduates of Other University Programs:
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
- Field of Study Requirement: You must have studied in a field linked to jobs in high demand, like agriculture, healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), trade, or transport.
- College or Other Program Graduates:
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
- Field of Study Requirement: Same as above—your program must be related to a high-demand occupation.
How to Prove Your Language Skills
To meet the new language requirements, you’ll need to submit results from a recognized language test, taken within two years of your PGWP application. Approved English and French tests include:
- For English:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English)
- For French:
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
Field of Study Requirements
For some programs, you’ll also need to graduate from an eligible field of study, especially if your program is linked to jobs that are in long-term demand. These fields include:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Trades
- Transport
You can check whether your program qualifies by looking at the CIP codes provided by the government.
Preparing for Your PGWP Application
The new PGWP eligibility criteria add a language requirement for many graduates, and in some cases, you must complete a program in a field with high job demand. If you’re planning to apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, it’s essential to understand these changes and ensure you meet all the criteria.
Need help navigating your PGWP application? At Soleimani Immigration Inc., we offer professional guidance to ensure you make the right steps. Contact us today for a free assessment!