Find out the most recent adjustments to PGWP eligibility for 2024! Learn about the updated language and subject of study criteria for Canada’s work permit following graduation.

Overview

An excellent option for foreign graduates from Canadian universities to obtain work experience in Canada is provided by the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. With effect from November 1, 2024, recent modifications to the PGWP eligibility rules reflect Canada’s commitment to choosing highly trained workers for the labor market as well as its changing workforce demands. This extensive reference offers a methodical dissection of the most recent standards for language, topic of study, and eligibility, along with the implications of these modifications for both present and potential applicants.

1. Unaltered Qualification Standards

Some basic qualifying conditions for the PGWP program will not alter in spite of the impending modifications. Among them are:

>Program Completion and Institution Requirements: Students must graduate from an eligible PGWP Designated Learning Institution (DLI) after completing their coursework there. The institution must be recognized and permitted to accept international students under this program.
>Apply by November 1, 2024, at the latest: Whatever your field of study or program type, the current requirements apply if you apply for a PGWP before this date.
>Graduates of Flight School: After November 1, 2024, graduates of flight schools that qualify for the PGWP may still apply using the current guidelines.

To put it briefly, you are exempt from the new qualifying requirements if you have graduated from a flight school that qualifies for the PGWP or if you intend to apply for one before November 1, 2024.

2. New Standards for Eligibility

The PGWP eligibility requirements will alter as of November 1, 2024, depending on when you filed your study permit application:

A. For Study Permit Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024:

• University Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree Graduates:
  • Language Requirement: You must provide proof of language proficiency in English or French, achieving a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French across all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
• Other University Program Graduates:
  • Language Requirement: Similar to degree graduates, applicants must meet the language requirement of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all areas.
• College and Other Program Graduates:
  • Language Requirement: For these applicants, a slightly lower language proficiency level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French is required across all four language abilities.

B. For Study Permit Applications Submitted On or After November 1, 2024:

• University Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree Graduates:
  • Language Requirement: A minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four skills is required.
  • Field of Study: There are no restrictions on the field of study for these degree programs.
• Other University Program Graduates:
  • Language Requirement: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French is required.
  • Field of Study Requirement: Applicants must graduate in a field that aligns with Canada’s labor market needs, ensuring their program falls within one of the eligible categories (outlined in the “Field of Study Requirements” section below).
• College and Non-University Program Graduates:
  • Language Requirement: Applicants must meet a language proficiency level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
  • Field of Study Requirement: As with other university graduates, the field of study must align with Canada’s workforce demands.

With these modifications, applicants can be more effectively contributing to Canada’s labor market by being eligible for the PGWP program if they have appropriate experience and abilities in high-demand sectors.

3. Requirements in Language

The PGWP application procedure heavily relies on language skills, with varying requirements depending on your educational background:

• Accepted Tests for Language Proficiency:
  • For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, and PTE Core.
  • For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

The test results you provide with your application must be recent—less than two years old. You must achieve the minimal Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) or Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) scores in each language area (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) for the type of education you are receiving.

4. Study Subject Requirements

The field of study requirements make sure that candidates’ educational backgrounds match those of Canadian industries that are experiencing a labor shortage. Your chances of becoming eligible for a PGWP may rise if your study program fits into one of the following categories:

Acceptable Subjects of Study

1. Programs supporting the increasing demand for qualified experts in the fields of agriculture, sustainable farming, and food production are referred to as agri-food and agriculture.
2. Medical technology, nursing, and other health services that are essential to Canada’s healthcare system are all included in the category of healthcare.
3. The domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, are broad and encompass a number of areas that are important to Canadian scientific and technical advancement.
4. Trade: Skilled crafts that assist with different construction and infrastructure tasks, such carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing.
5. Transportation: Courses on supply chain management, logistics, and infrastructure.

By classifying these disciplines using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code system, candidates can ascertain whether their field of study is in line with the needs of the Canadian workforce. This categorization scheme guarantees uniformity in determining programs that qualify.

Note: The field of study requirement may affect your eligibility if you are applying after November 1, 2024, and have finished your study permit application on or after that date. Verify that your software corresponds with the specified fields.

The most recent revisions to the PGWP qualifying requirements demonstrate Canada’s calculated efforts to draw in highly qualified graduates who can make valuable contributions to the country’s labor market. Whether you are already studying in Canada or planning to apply, maintaining abreast of these changes is vital for a smooth and successful PGWP application process. Make sure you fulfill the language and, if necessary, the field of study requirements in order to increase your chances of being granted this beneficial work visa opportunity.

To stay informed and take full advantage of your post-graduation prospects in Canada, stay up to current on the most recent updates and resources available on the official immigration website.