If you're an international student planning to work in Canada after graduation, it is important to stay informed about the latest changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Canada has recently updated the eligibility criteria, now including a new requirement related to the field of study.
Canada announces changes to PGWP eligibility criteria, including a new field of study requirement.
Canada post-graduation work permit (PGWP) changes - Applicable from 1st November 2024
You will need to meet language requirements to apply for PGWP
If you are graduating with a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree, all fields remain eligible for PGWP for up to three years
For students in college-level programs and university programs that are not bachelor’s, master’s or PHDs, only 966 fields across agriculture, agri-food, healthcare, STEM, trade, and transport are eligible for PGWP
This update means that choosing the right course is more important than ever if you want to work in Canada after your studies.
What’s the latest news about Canada PGWP changes in November 2024?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the list of PGWP-eligible programs on 4 October 2024, designed to ensure international students can contribute to key industries. The new field of study requirements applies to college-level programs, as well as some university programs.
You will need to meet the new requirements to apply for a PGWP if you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024.
Overview: Canada PGWP changes
For university students graduating with a bachelor's, master's, or PhD:
Language criteria: Prove your English or French language skills. You must score a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English - or an IELTS band score of 6.0 in the Listening Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections of IELTS General Training. For French, you’ll require Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in all 4 language areas.
Check out Canadian language benchmarks: https://www.language.ca/ressourcesexpertise/niveaux-de-competence-linguistique-canadiens/
Field of study criteria: All fields of study are eligible - there is no additional field of study requirement.
If you graduated from any other university program:
Language requirement: Prove your English or French language skills. You must score a minimum level of CLB 7 in English—or a band score of 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking segments of the IELTS General Training. For French, you’ll need NCLC 7 in all 4 language areas.
Field of study requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study.
Check out the eligible field of study: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/study-requirements.html
If you graduated from a college program or any other program not listed above:
Language criteria: Prove your English language skills with a minimum of CLB 5 in English—or IELTS band scores of 4.0 in Reading, and 5.0 in Writing, Listening and Speaking for IELTS General Training. To prove French language skills instead, you’ll need NCLC 5 in all 4 language areas.
Field of study requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study.
Check out the eligible field of study: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/study-requirements.html#field-of-study
Note: Remember that when submitting your proof of language ability, your test results must be less than 2 years old.
Field of study requirement
If your study program comes under the new requirement of “field of study”, that program will have to be linked to certain occupations assessed by Canada to be in long-term shortage. In that case, you would only be eligible for the PGWP if your program falls under the fields of study across these 5 broad categories:
Agriculture and agri-food
Healthcare
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Trade
Transport
Note: Make sure your program is in the IRCC’s full list of programs if you are planning to submit your study permit application after 1 November 2024.
Check out IRCC full list of programs: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/study-requirements.html#what
What has not changed for PGWP?
Some requirements for applying for a post-graduation work permit in Canada will remain, even after 1 November 2024.
You will still need to meet the general and physical location requirements.
You must still complete and graduate from a study program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is eligible for a PGWP.
If you are a graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school, the new eligibility requirements from 1 November 2024 do not apply to you.
Check out Designated learning institutions list: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html
How can IELTS help you get PGWP in Canada?
The IELTS test plays an important role in obtaining a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada for international students. Here's how it can help:
Eligibility for study permits: A good IELTS score is often required to secure admission to Canadian universities and colleges, which is the first step toward being eligible for a PGWP.
Meeting language proficiency requirements: While applying for jobs after graduation, many employers and immigration programs in Canada require proof of English language proficiency. A high IELTS score demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking workplace.
Enhancing Permanent Residency (PR) applications: After gaining work experience through the PGWP, you may apply for permanent residency. IELTS is crucial in programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system, where your IELTS score can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
By achieving a strong IELTS result, you improve your chances of securing a PGWP and further opportunities in Canada.
Also, if you are planning to take an IELTS test and have related questions then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will clear all your questions.