New PGWP Rules in Canada may Impact Your Work Permit

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has long been a vital pathway for international students aiming to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies. Starting from November 1, 2024, major changes to the PGWP program will take effect, significantly impacting the eligibility criteria for future applicants. Announced on September 18, 2024, by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), these updates will introduce stricter rules related to language proficiency and fields of study, potentially altering the career prospects of thousands of international students in Canada.

Table of Contents

1. PGWP Features that Remain Unchanged in 2024
2. New PGWP Eligibility Requirements
3. Language Proficiency and PGWP
4. PGWP Eligible Fields of Study After November 1, 2024
5. Conclusion
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PGWP Features that Remain Unchanged in 2024

Despite the new rules, several key aspects of the PGWP program remain the same, which is good news for many international students who are currently in the middle of their studies or have already applied for a study permit.

• Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You still need to graduate from a PGWP-eligible DLI in Canada to qualify for a work permit. This requirement remains unchanged.
• Physical Presence in Canada: As before, you must be physically present in Canada for the majority of your study program to maintain PGWP eligibility.
• Existing Applications: If you submit your PGWP application before November 1, 2024, you will be evaluated based on the current eligibility criteria, which means you won’t be affected by the new rules.
• Flight School Graduates: If you graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school, you won’t be subject to the new changes, even if you apply after the new rules take effect.

By retaining these key aspects, the program continues to offer pathways for international students to transition from studying to working in Canada, particularly for those who are already progressing through their education.

New PGWP Eligibility Requirements

For Students Applying After November 1, 2024

If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you must also meet the new requirements that apply to your situation to be eligible to apply for a PGWP.

• If you graduated from a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program:
1. Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
2. Field of study requirement: All fields of study are eligible. There is no additional field of study requirement.

• If you graduated from any other university program:
1. Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
2. Field of study requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study.

• If you graduated from a college program or any other program not listed above:
1. Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.
2. Field of study requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study.

Language Proficiency and PGWP: What You Need to Know

Language proficiency is now a critical element in determining your PGWP eligibility under the 2024 changes.

If you are an international student planning to work in Canada, you must demonstrate your English or French language skills through one of the following accepted language tests:

Accepted English Language Tests

1. CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): You must take the CELPIP-General test for your PGWP application.
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Only the IELTS General Training version is accepted.
3. PTE Core (Pearson Test of English): Ensure you take the PTE Core test to prove your English language skills.

Accepted French Language Tests

1. TEF (Test d’évaluation de français): This is one of the accepted French tests for your PGWP application.
2. TCF (Test de connaissance du français): Another option for demonstrating your proficiency in French.

Your test results must be less than two years old when you submit your PGWP application. Make sure that you achieve the required CLB or NCLC levels based on your educational background.

PGWP Eligible Fields of Study After November 1, 2024

The introduction of specific fields of study requirements in the new PGWP rules aligns with Canada’s focus on filling labor shortages in high-demand industries. If you graduate in one of these targeted fields, you’ll have a greater chance of securing a PGWP.

Here are some of the key fields that are eligible under the new rules:

Healthcare Occupations

• Veterinary Sciences (CIP Code: 01.8101)
• Disability Studies (CIP Code: 05.0210)
• Nutrition Sciences (CIP Code: 30.1901)
• Special Education (CIP Code: 13.1001)
• Exercise Science and Kinesiology (CIP Code: 31.0505)

Agriculture and Agri-Food

• Agriculture, General (CIP Code: 01.0000)
• Agricultural Business and Management (CIP Code: 01.0101)
• Agronomy and Crop Science (CIP Code: 01.1102)
• Animal Health (CIP Code: 01.0903)
• Greenhouse Operations and Management (CIP Code: 01.0604)
• Dairy Husbandry and Production (CIP Code: 01.0306)

STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

• Computer Science(CIP Code: 11.0701)
• Molecular Genetics(CIP Code: 26.0802)
• Genome Sciences(CIP Code: 26.0807)
• Pathology/Experimental Pathology(CIP Code: 26.0910)
• Exercise Physiology (CIP Code: 26.0908)

Trades and Vocational Training

• Meat Cutting(CIP Code: 12.0506)
• Plant Nursery Operations and Management(CIP Code: 01.0606)
• Equestrian/Equine Studies (CIP Code: 01.0507)

Transportation and Logistics

• Heavy Equipment Operation(CIP Code: 49.0205)
• Aircraft Pilot(CIP Code: 49.0102)
• Marine Transportation- (CIP Code: 49.0309)

These fields are closely linked to areas where Canada is facing long-term labor shortages, making graduates from these programs more attractive candidates for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Be sure to check your program’s CIP code to confirm its eligibility under the new rules.

Click here to check the full list of study programs eligible for PGWP after November 1.

Conclusion

How to Maximize Your Chances of PGWP Approval

The new PGWP rules coming into effect on November 1, 2024, bring stricter eligibility requirements focusing on language proficiency and high-demand fields of study. International students looking to work in Canada post-graduation need to take proactive steps to ensure their qualifications align with the new criteria.

To maximize your chances of securing a Post-Graduation Work Permit, follow these steps:

• Choose an eligible program: Make sure your program is listed under an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and is in one of the targeted fields of study.
• Meet language proficiency standards: Take an accepted language test and ensure you score at least CLB 7 for university programs or CLB 5 for college programs.
• Graduate in a high-demand field: Select a program in a field like healthcare, STEM, trades, or transportation to improve your chances of PGWP approval.

By carefully preparing and meeting the updated requirements, you can still take full advantage of the PGWP program and pave the way for a successful career in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a PGWP and why is it important?

Ans: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies, which can help them gain valuable work experience and apply for permanent residency.

Q2. What are the major changes to PGWP in 2024?

Ans: The new rules introduce stricter language proficiency requirements and field-of-study restrictions for students applying after November 1, 2024.

Q3. Which language tests are accepted?

Ans: Accepted tests include CELPIP, IELTS General Training, and PTE Core for English, and TEF and TCF for French.

Q4. How can I check if my program is eligible for PGWP?

Ans: You can check your program’s CIP code and consult the updated list of eligible fields of study under the new PGWP rules.

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