Canada Introduces New Eligibility Criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permit

Canada has announced significant updates to its Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) eligibility, aiming to manage the growing number of temporary residents. These changes will take effect from November 1, 2024 and introduce new eligibility criteria for international students.

Key Changes in PGWP Requirements

Starting November 1, 2024, students applying for a PGWP must meet updated eligibility criteria based on their study program and field of study.

To qualify, students must:

• Complete a program from a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Fulfill both the general and location-specific requirements.

If the study program has a field of study requirement, applicants must graduate from programs related to occupations facing long-term shortages. These fields are grouped into five categories:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trade and Transport

Must Read: Canada Study Permit: Attestation Letters, Caps, and PGWP Changes for 2024

Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Criteria

If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) before November 1, 2024, you will only need to meet the current eligibility criteria. However, applications submitted after this date will follow the new guidelines.

New Eligibility for Applications Before November 1, 2024

For those who submitted their study permit application before this date, you must meet the following additional requirements when applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024:

1. University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree):
   • Language Requirement: Proof of language proficiency in English or French at CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
   • Other University Program Graduates:
2. Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language areas.
   • College Program Graduates:
   • Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.

New Eligibility for Applications After November 1, 2024

1. University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree):
   • Language Requirement: Proof of English or French proficiency at CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language areas.
   • Field of Study Requirement: No specific field of study required.
2. Other University Program Graduates:
   • Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language areas.
   • Field of Study Requirement: Must graduate from an eligible field of study.
3. College Program Graduates:
   • Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.
   • Field of Study Requirement: Must graduate from an eligible field of study.

What Hasn’t Changed in the PGWP Program

Despite the updates coming into effect on November 1, 2024, several key eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) remain unchanged:

1. General and Location Requirements: Applicants must still meet the existing general and physical location criteria to be eligible for a PGWP. This applies to all applicants, even after November 1, 2024.

2. Current Eligibility Criteria: If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you are only required to meet the current eligibility standards.

3. Graduates from PGWP-Eligible Flight Schools: If you graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school, the new rules do not apply to you. You will continue to follow the current eligibility criteria, even if you apply after November 1, 2024.

This means that while changes are coming for most applicants, those applying under these specific circumstances will not be affected by the new requirements.

Also Read: Canada Announces New Measures to Fast-Track PGWP and Work Permit Extensions

Language Requirements for PGWP Applications

All PGWP applicants must demonstrate their English or French proficiency in four areas:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application. We accept language test results from these tests:

It is worth noting here that, Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

Final Thoughts

These changes to the PGWP aim to better align international education with Canada’s labor market needs. Students planning to apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, should ensure they meet the updated language and field of study requirements to improve their chances of securing a work permit.

Stay informed and prepare in advance to take advantage of Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit opportunities!