New PGWP changes taking effect in November 2024
16 October 2024 | Canada
New PGWP changes taking effect in November 2024
New PGWP Changes 2024: For international students wanting to obtain job experience in Canada after finishing their studies, the Post-Graduation job Permit (PGWP) program has been an essential pathway.
On September 18, significant changes to PGWP eligibility were announced and they will take effect on November 1, 2024.
The qualifying requirements were not disclosed in full at the time of announcement, however the IRCC has now published a comprehensive list of study programs that qualify for PGWP beginning on November 1.
The purpose of these new regulations is to expedite the application process and guarantee that this work permit will only be granted to students who meet certain standards.
What Hasn’t Changed
Even after the new regulations go into effect, many overseas students will still meet the same basic requirements for enrollment in the PGWP program.
The following are the primary aspects that don’t change:
- Designated Learning Institution Requirement: Students must continue to complete a program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI). This requirement has not changed.
- Physical Presence: The general requirement for students to be physically present in Canada for the majority of their program still applies.
- Existing Applications: If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you are only required to meet the current eligibility criteria, which means you won’t be impacted by the new changes.
- Flight School Graduates: If you graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school, you will not be subject to the new criteria, even if you apply for a work permit after November 1, 2024.
New Eligibility Requirements Effective November 1, 2024
Should you intend to submit an application for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, you will need to comply with the recently implemented qualifying standards.
These are divided into groups according to your educational attainment and the date you filed for your study visa.
1. For Students Who Submitted Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024
When you apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, the following requirements will be applicable if your study permit application was received before that date:
- University Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree:
- Language Requirement: You must prove your proficiency in either English or French by achieving a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Other University Programs:
- Language Requirement: You must meet the same CLB 7 requirement for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 for French in all four areas.
- College or Other Programs:
- Language Requirement: You are required to demonstrate a minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four language areas.
2. For Students Who Submit Study Permit Applications on or After November 1, 2024
The eligibility requirements are stricter if your study permit application is submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
According to your study program, you should be aware of the following:
- University Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree:
- Language Requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all language skills.
- Field of Study Requirement: No additional restrictions apply; all fields of study are eligible.
- Graduates from Other University Programs:
- Language Requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all language areas.
- Field of Study Requirement: You must graduate from a program in a field of study that is in high demand in Canada.
- College Graduates or Other Programs:
- Language requirement: A minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four areas.
- Field of Study Requirement: You must graduate from an eligible field of study tied to specific occupations facing long-term shortages.
General Training English Tests Will Be Needed
The new changes make language ability a crucial component in evaluating your PGWP eligibility.
You have to show that you are proficient in the following areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
The language test results you submit with your PGWP application must be no older than two years. Valid language assessments consist of:
English Language Tests:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Take the CELPIP-General test.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Take the IELTS General Training option.
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English): Take the PTE Core test.
Eligible Fields of Study for PGWP After November 1, 2024
Certain programs now have required fields of study according to the new PGWP rules.
These fields closely correspond to professions in Canada’s long-term shortage zones.
You are qualified for the PGWP if any of these apply to your academic program. The academic disciplines that result in:
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations.
- Trade occupations
- Transportation occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
For more details & questions, Kindly contact us and one of our Immigration Consultants & Immigration Lawyers will respond to you.
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