Important information has come to light regarding working along with or after studying in Canada. In fact, new rules have come into effect for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) from November 1, 2024. These changes establish strict eligibility criteria for applicants, which mainly include language proficiency, restrictions in field of study and certificate requirements. Key updates to the PGWP eligibility requirements:
These are the language proficiency standards for different study programs
- University Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees: CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all skills
- Other University programs: CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all skills
- College programs and other types: CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) in all skills
Study area restrictions
- Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral graduate degrees will have no study area restrictions.
- However, only graduate students from other University programs, college programs and other types should be eligible.
If you apply before November 1, 2024
- University bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees: at least CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all 4 areas
- Other university programs: at least CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all 4 areas
- College programs and other types: at least CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) in all 4 areas
If you apply on or after November 1, 2024
University bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees: at least CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all 4 areas and no restriction on field of study.
Other university programs: at least CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all 4 areas and must be a graduate in an eligible field.
College programs and other types: At least CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) in all 4 fields and graduation in eligible field is required.
Long-term deficit businesses
If you want to work in Canada in these fields, then you must graduate from a program related to long-term shortage businesses. These sectors are given in the 5 groups given below:-
-Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
These changes are aimed at providing better opportunities for applicants in Canada and paving the way for permanent residence.
What has changed in the application process and processing conditions?
- The process of submitting applications by IRCC has also been changed.
- Under the new rules, PGWP applications will have to be submitted online, whether the applicant is applying from within Canada or from abroad.
- The applicant can no longer submit his application at the port of entry.
- Students who have to work in sectors where medical exam is required will get the option to choose an upfront medical exam 90 days before submitting the PGWP application.
What has not changed regarding PGWP?
- Even though many things have changed regarding PGWP, there has been no change in some important conditions.
- General eligibility and physical location criteria still exist.
- Students will have to study in a designated learning institution to obtain PGWP.
- These rules apply to all students. In such a situation, if you are also going to study in Canada, then you should know about all these rules well.