Canada Announces Changes to PGWP Criteria

The updated Post-Graduation Work Permit rules will be effective on November 1, 2024.

On October 4, 2024, IRCC announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.

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Starting November 1, 2024, there will be changes in -

• Language requirements, and
• Field of study conditions.

What are the new PGWP eligibility requirements?

Under the revised PGWP requirements, candidates will now be required to provide proof of their language proficiency when applying for a PGWP. The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) will be used for assessing English proficiency, and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) will be for French.

The new PGWP requoirments will apply based on when you submit your study permit application and PGWP request.

(1) Study permit applications submitted before November 1, 2024

For study permit applications submitted before November 1, 2024, and PGWP request on or after November 1, 2024. You must meet the language requirement as -

• Graduated with a Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree: prove English or French language skills with a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English, or or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
• Graduated in other university program: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
• Graduated in another program not listed above: Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.

(2) Study permit applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024

You must meet the new language and field of study requirements as applicable to your specific situation to be eligible for a PGWP.

• Graduated with a Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas. All fields of study are eligible.
• Graduated in other university program: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas. You must also have graduated in an eligible field of study.
• Graduated in another program not listed above: Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas. You must also have graduated in an eligible field of study.

Which language tests are accepted for Canadian PGWP eligibility?

There are 5 standardized English language tests accepted by IRCC for PGWP eligibility. You must have appeared for the test within the last 2 years from the date of submitting the PGWP application.

What is the PGWP field of study requirement?

This will be applicable if your study program has a field of study requirement. You must have graduated from a program linked to specific occupations with a long-term shortage.

There are 5 board categories under the field of study -

• science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• transport
• healthcare
• trade
• agriculture and agri-food

There are 966 fields of study categories on Canada’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) for post-secondary education programs.

Canada will be issuing 437,000 study permits in 2025. Canada offers high quality education with specialized programs and flexible study plans.

Want to study in Canada? Know about the intakes, process, and timelines. Contact Kansas Overseas.