Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit, Effective from November 1, 2024

On September 18, 2024, significant changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) were announced, effective November 1, 2024. These changes will impact international students seeking Canadian work experience after completing their studies. While full details were initially unavailable, IRCC has now released the full list of study programs that will qualify for PGWP under the new rules. The revised eligibility criteria aim to simplify the process, ensuring that only students from specific programs can benefit. This article outlines the key updates and the comprehensive list of eligible programs.

What remains unchanged

Many core eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) will remain unchanged, despite upcoming rule changes. Key aspects include:

• DLI Requirement: Students must still complete a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) eligible for PGWP.
• Physical Presence: Students must remain in Canada for most of their program.
• Existing Applications: Applications submitted before November 1, 2024, are governed by current rules.
• Flight School Graduates: Graduates from eligible flight schools won’t be impacted by new criteria, even after November 1, 2024.

1. Students Submitted Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024

New PGWP eligibility requirements take effect on November 1, 2024. These are based on when your study permit application was submitted and your level of education:

• University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral): Must meet a minimum of CLB 7 in English or French.
• Other University Programs: Same CLB 7 or NCLC 7 requirement.
• College or Other Programs: Must meet a minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.

2. Students Submit Study Permit Applications On or After November 1, 2024

Make sure to adhere to these updated language proficiency standards when applying for the PGWP after this date.

Starting November 1, 2024, students submitting study permit applications face stricter PGWP eligibility:

• University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate): Minimum CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all language areas. No field restrictions.
• Other University Graduates: Same CLB/NCLC 7 language requirement, but must graduate from a high-demand field in Canada.
• College Graduates or Other Programs: Minimum CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French). Eligible fields must relate to occupations with long-term shortages in Canada.

English Tests Required

As part of the upcoming changes to PGWP, demonstrating English language proficiency will be crucial for eligibility. Applicants must show competency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Test results must be submitted within two years of applying for the PGWP. Accepted tests include:

• CELPIP-General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
• IELTS General Training (International English Language Testing System)
• PTE Core (Pearson Test of English)

Ensure your results meet the program’s language requirements.

Eligible Fields of Study for PGWP Since November 1, 2024

The new PGWP regulations outline specific field of study requirements for eligibility, focusing on areas with long-term labor shortages in Canada. Eligible fields include:

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Healthcare
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
• Trade occupations
• Transport

Students should check their program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for specific eligibility verification. For more detailed information, consult the official guidelines.

1. Agriculture and Agri-Food:

• Agriculture, General (CIP Code: 01.0000)
• Agricultural Business and Management (CIP Code: 01.0101)
• Agronomy and Crop Science (CIP Code: 01.1102)
• Animal Health (CIP Code: 01.0903)
• Greenhouse Operations and Management (CIP Code: 01.0604)
• Dairy Husbandry and Production (CIP Code: 01.0306)

2. Healthcare:

• Veterinary Sciences (CIP Code: 01.8101)
• Disability Studies (CIP Code: 05.0210)
• Nutrition Sciences (CIP Code: 30.1901)
• Special Education (CIP Code: 13.1001)
• Exercise Science and Kinesiology (CIP Code: 31.0505)

3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM):

• Molecular Genetics (CIP Code: 26.0802)
• Genome Sciences/Genomics (CIP Code: 26.0807)
• Exercise Physiology (CIP Code: 26.0908)
• Exercise Physiology (CIP Code: 26.0908)
• Computer Science (CIP Code: 11.0701)

4. Trade:

• Meat Cutting (CIP Code: 12.0506)
• Equestrian/Equine Studies (CIP Code: 01.0507)
• Plant Nursery Operations and Management (CIP Code: 01.0606)

5. Transport:

• Aircraft Pilot (CIP Code: 49.0102)
• Marine Transportation (CIP Code: 49.0309)
• Heavy Equipment Operation (CIP Code: 49.0205)

The full list of eligible programs for the PGWP includes hundreds of options across various fields. The new requirements, effective November 1, 2024, will significantly affect international students planning to work in Canada post-graduation. Students must align their programs with the updated criteria and meet language proficiency standards. It is crucial to review these requirements thoroughly and seek guidance from educational institutions or immigration advisors to ensure compliance with the new eligibility criteria. 

For the complete list of programs, click here.

English: https://ttnimmigration.ca/vi/en/thay-doi-ve-giay-phep-sau-tot-nghiep-hieu-luc-tu-01-11-2024/