- Canada is revising its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program eligibility, introducing key changes for international students post-graduation.
- Starting November 1, 2024, PGWP criteria will include new language benchmarks and field of study requirements based on student application date.
- Programs that prepare students for fields with labor shortages, including healthcare, STEM, and trades, will now have priority for PGWP eligibility.
- These updates are intended to streamline the PGWP process and support Canada’s long-term workforce needs.
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, a primary path for international students to secure work experience post-study, will undergo major changes beginning November 1, 2024. The Canadian immigration authority announced the updates on September 18, outlining a new eligibility approach for PGWP applicants, including new program requirements and fields of study criteria aligned with Canada’s job market needs.
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The PGWP program offers valuable work experience, often acting as a springboard for graduates into permanent residency. The recent changes aim to enhance the program by prioritizing areas of study that address Canadian labor market demands and refining eligibility based on language and program specifics.
Key PGWP Changes to Note
Ongoing Eligibility Criteria Remain
Core PGWP criteria will remain unchanged. Applicants must still graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and complete the majority of their studies in Canada. Flight school graduates, if from a PGWP-approved school, are also unaffected by the new criteria.
New Criteria for PGWP Eligibility Post-November 1, 2024
For students applying to a PGWP after this date, eligibility will depend on language proficiency and field of study. These requirements are segmented into two main groups, based on when students applied for their study permits.
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- Students Applying Before November 1, 2024:
- University Graduates: Students completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program must demonstrate CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 7 in English or French.
- Other Programs: College or trade school graduates must meet a CLB 5 requirement in either language.
- Students Applying On or After November 1, 2024:
- University Graduates: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 is required. Eligible programs remain open to various fields.
- Other University or College Graduates: Must graduate from programs aligned with Canada’s labor demands, focusing on high-demand fields.
Eligible Fields of Study
Students studying in sectors addressing labor shortages will now be prioritized. Some eligible fields include:
- Healthcare: Programs such as Nutrition Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, and Special Education align with Canada’s healthcare demands.
- STEM: Fields like Molecular Genetics, Computer Science, and Pathology are among those prioritized.
- Trades and Transportation: Areas like Marine Transportation and Heavy Equipment Operation address Canada’s needs in skilled trades.
Preparing for Language Requirements
Applicants will now need to meet new language standards through recognized tests such as CELPIP, IELTS General, and PTE Core, taken within two years of their PGWP application. Tests will assess proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
These PGWP updates underscore Canada’s focus on modernizing its workforce and attracting skilled graduates to areas where demand is greatest. International students planning to work in Canada are advised to verify their program eligibility and prepare for language testing where applicable.
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