Canada Announces Big Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Oct 2024

Canada has recently announced some major changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program for international students. These changes, effective from November 1, 2024, will affect eligibility requirements for students applying for a PGWP. The modifications aim to better manage the number of international students arriving in Canada and ensure that graduates meet certain qualifications to work in the country.

In this article, we will break down these changes to make them easy to understand for everyone.

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit is a type of work permit that allows international students who have completed a study program in Canada to work in the country. This permit is very important for students who wish to gain work experience after their studies. Work experience gained through the PGWP can also help in applying for permanent residency in Canada.

Why Are Changes Being Made to the PGWP?

The Canadian government is making changes to the PGWP program to better manage the increasing number of temporary residents entering Canada. The new rules will ensure that international students meet certain qualifications that are in line with Canada’s long-term economic needs. Starting from November 1, 2024, the eligibility requirements for PGWP will change, making it essential for students to understand the new criteria.

Important Changes Starting November 1, 2024

From November 1, 2024, the study program requirements for PGWP applicants will change. Let’s go through the new rules in detail.

1. General Requirements for PGWP

To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, students must:

• Complete a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is eligible for PGWP.
• Meet the general eligibility requirements set by the government.

These requirements will continue even after the changes take effect on November 1, 2024.

2. Study Program Requirements

The field of study is a key requirement for eligibility after November 1, 2024:

• If the study program has a field of study requirement, students must graduate from a program that is linked to certain occupations that are in long-term shortage in Canada.
• These fields of study fall under five main categories: Agriculture and Agri-food, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Trade, and Transport.

This means that international students should focus on programs that fall into these categories if they wish to be eligible for a PGWP after November 2024.

3. Applying Before November 1, 2024

If students apply for the PGWP before November 1, 2024, they only need to meet the current eligibility criteria. This means that if you are already studying or about to complete your study program, it is better to apply before November 1, 2024, to avoid the new requirements.

New Eligibility Requirements for Applications Before and After November 1, 2024

The new requirements depend on when you applied for your study permit and which type of degree you completed.

Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024

If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, and you are applying for a PGWP on or after that date, the following rules apply:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree: You must prove your English or French language skills with at least a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 in French in all four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Other University Programs: You must prove your language skills at CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language areas.
• College or Other Programs: You must prove your language skills at CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four language areas.

Study Permit Applications On or After November 1, 2024

For those who submitted their study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024, the eligibility requirements change slightly based on the type of degree completed:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree from a University:

  • Language Requirement: You must prove your English or French skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four areas.
  • Field of Study Requirement: All fields of study are eligible.

• Other University Programs:

  • Language Requirement: You must prove your language skills with a minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four areas.
  • Field of Study Requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study (such as agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trade, or transport).

• College or Other Programs Not Listed Above:

  • Language Requirement: You must prove your language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four areas.
  • Field of Study Requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study.

Language Requirements Explained

One of the significant changes to the PGWP eligibility is the language requirement. The Canadian government now requires all applicants to prove their language skills in either English or French. This requirement is important because it ensures that graduates can effectively communicate in Canada, which will help them find jobs and integrate into Canadian society.

• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English: The CLB is used to measure your English skills in four areas – reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French: NCLC is used to measure your French skills in the same four areas.

To be eligible for the PGWP, you must submit language test results that are less than two years old when you apply. This means it is important to plan ahead and take your language test at the right time to meet this requirement.

What Do These Changes Mean for International Students?

The new changes in the PGWP program mean that international students need to be more careful when choosing their study programs in Canada. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Choose Eligible Programs: If you plan to apply for a PGWP, make sure you choose a program at a Designated Learning Institution that is eligible for the permit.
2. Field of Study: Depending on the type of degree, you may need to choose a program that is in one of the five eligible fields (agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trade, and transport).
3. Language Skills: Make sure you are prepared to take a language test and achieve the required CLB or NCLC level for your program.
4. Application Timeline: If possible, apply for your PGWP before November 1, 2024, to meet the current requirements, which might be less strict than the new ones.

Conclusion

The changes to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program are aimed at ensuring that international students who wish to work in Canada have the necessary skills and qualifications that align with the country’s economic needs. Starting November 1, 2024, new requirements will apply to those applying for a PGWP, including specific fields of study and higher language benchmarks.

It is important for current and future international students to be aware of these changes and plan their studies accordingly. By understanding the new rules, students can make better decisions that will help them qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and find work in Canada after their studies.

These changes may seem complex, but with careful planning and preparation, international students can still achieve their goal of studying and working in Canada.