Canada Announces Updated Post-Graduation Work Permit Rules: Key Changes Effective November 2024
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new regulations that will affect Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. These updated guidelines, set to take effect on November 1, 2024, bring significant changes for international students, particularly those graduating from colleges.
Key Changes
Under the current regulations, students who apply for or hold a study permit before November 1, 2024, will still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, those applying for study permits on or after this date will be subject to the new guidelines. A major update in these rules is the introduction of a “field of study” requirement, specifically affecting college graduates and those in non-degree programs.
IRCC has also confirmed that university graduates will continue to be eligible for PGWPs for up to three years, with no restrictions based on their field of study. For college graduates, however, only a select few programs will qualify under the new rules.
New Requirement for College Graduates
Beginning in November 2024, college graduates will need to complete their education in an "eligible field of study" to qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). IRCC has identified 966 programs across five main categories that will be eligible, including:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- STEM
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Skilled trades
Notably, traditional fields favored by international students, such as tourism, business studies, and hospitality, are not included in the list. This change is expected to significantly reduce the number of international students seeking work opportunities in Canada.
Language Requirements for PGWP Applications
In addition to the field of study criteria, international students applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) must also meet specific language requirements. All applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in either French or English through approved language tests.
For university graduates, the English language requirement is set at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 7, while the French requirement is at Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 7. For college graduates, the language benchmark is lower, with a requirement of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 across all four skills-reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
In Conclusion
The updated regulations, effective from November 1, 2024, could have a significant impact on both educational institutions and international students throughout Canada. However, students still have time to apply for their visas before the November 1 deadline to take advantage of the current PGWP eligibility rules.
