Canada Announces Eligible Programs for PGWPs

Starting November 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will introduce significant changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

These updates are part of the Canadian government's effort to align the PGWP with labour market demands, impacting international students looking to work in Canada after their studies.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new rules apply to international students graduating from various programs. Those completing bachelor's, master's, or PhD degrees at universities will remain eligible for the PGWP but must now meet stricter language proficiency requirements: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French across all four skill areas.

However, students from college programs or non-university institutions, such as diplomas or certificates, will need to meet additional requirements. These include demonstrating language proficiency (CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French) and graduating from an eligible field of study. These eligible fields are closely tied to Canada’s labour market needs and mirror the selection categories for Express Entry introduced in 2023.

Exemptions and Unaffected Groups

Students who apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, will not be affected by these changes and can follow the current eligibility criteria. Graduates from flight schools, even after November 1, will also remain unaffected by the new regulations.

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New Language and Field of Study Requirements

The updated guidelines introduce specific language requirements for PGWP eligibility. Test results must be less than two years old, with recognized exams such as CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French.

Eligible Fields of Study

The new PGWP eligibility guidelines focus on five major fields of study, each of which is linked to long-term in-demand occupations in Canada. These fields include:

• Agriculture,
• Healthcare,
• STEM,
• Trade, and
• Transport.

CIP Codes and Title

The table below lists examples of instructional programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in each field of study, along with their corresponding Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code:

These changes to the PGWP program aim to ensure that international graduates have the necessary skills and education to meet Canada's evolving workforce needs.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Post Graduation Work Permit PGWP program Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit New eligibility requirements for PFWPs Canada Immigration News