The Canadian government’s recent changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program are now officially in effect. Implemented by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these updates bring significant shifts to the eligibility criteria, with a focus on applicants’ language proficiency and their field of study.
These updates are intended to align Canada’s post-study work visa system with its long-term labor market needs while retaining some existing criteria for eligibility. Below, we dive into the essential aspects of these new rules, outlining what’s changed and what remains constant.
New requirements for language proficiency
Under the revised rules, all PGWP applicants must demonstrate language proficiency when submitting their application. This requirement is now part of the core eligibility criteria, reflecting Canada’s emphasis on ensuring that international graduates have adequate communication skills to thrive in the workforce.
Applicants must submit valid language test results in four skill areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. To be accepted, these test results must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Accepted tests for English include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core. For French, IRCC accepts TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français) and TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français). The test scores will be evaluated based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.
Field of Study Requirements Across Key Sectors
A notable update to the PGWP program is the field of study requirement, targeting specific fields linked to long-term labor shortages in Canada. Applicants who graduate from programs related to certain high-demand sectors will have a clearer path to obtaining a PGWP, reflecting Canada’s need for skilled workers in these areas. The fields of study identified include- Agriculture and Agri-Food, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Trade and Transport.
Graduates from programs in these fields will find enhanced opportunities under the new PGWP regulations. However, applicants from non-university programs in other fields must meet this field-of-study requirement to be eligible for the PGWP. Importantly, university graduates holding a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree remain unaffected by this field-of-study criterion and do not face additional restrictions based on their area of study.
Application Procedure Changes and Processing Conditions
With these updates, IRCC has also modified the application submission process for the PGWP. New rules specify that PGWP applications must be submitted online, regardless of whether the applicant is applying from within Canada or from abroad. Applicants can no longer submit their applications at a port of entry.
In addition to application submission changes, graduates who wish to work in sectors that require medical exams can now opt for an upfront medical exam up to 90 days before applying for their PGWP, helping streamline the approval process.
Guidelines for Restoring Student Status
If a graduate’s study permit expires before applying for the PGWP, IRCC allows a 90-day period for the student to restore their status. During this time, applicants must submit both a PGWP application and a fee to restore their student status. However, it is important to note that students cannot work until they receive approval for both their study and work permits.
What Remains Unchanged in the PGWP Program
Despite the significant updates, several core PGWP eligibility requirements remain the same. The general eligibility and physical location criteria are still in place; applicants must complete a study program at a designated learning institution eligible for PGWP. This rule applies to all applicants, including those applying after the November 2024 changes.
Graduates who submit their PGWP applications before the recent rule implementation date only need to fulfill the existing eligibility criteria. Furthermore, graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools can continue to qualify based on previous eligibility criteria, ensuring consistency for specific training institutions.