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Breaking News: PGWP Changes Coming This November 2024

In this article, SICON will analyze the upcoming changes and what remains the same and provide a list of programs eligible for PGWP after November 1, 2024.

1. Core eligibility criteria for the PGWP program remain unchanged, even after the new rules come into effect.
Here are the key criteria that remain the same:

  • Designated Learning Institution (DLI) requirement: Students must still complete their program at a DLI that is PGWP-eligible. This requirement remains unchanged.
  • Requirement to be physically present in Canada: You must still be present in Canada for most of your study program.
  • Current applications: If you apply for PGWP before November 1, 2024, you only need to meet the current criteria, meaning you won’t be affected by the new regulations.
  • Flight school graduates: If you graduate from a flight school eligible for PGWP, you will not be subject to the new criteria, even if you apply for a work permit after November 1, 2024.

2. For students who submitted their study permit applications before November 1, 2024

If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, the following conditions will apply when you apply for PGWP after this date:

a) University graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree:

  • Language requirement: You must prove your English or French proficiency by achieving a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

b) Other university programs:

  • Language requirement: You must meet the same CLB 7 requirement for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 for French in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).

c) College or other programs:

  • Language requirement: You must achieve a minimum of CLB 5 for English or NCLC 5 for French in all four language skills.

3. For students who submit their study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024

If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, the eligibility requirements will be more stringent.

Here’s what you need to know based on your program of study:

a) University graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree:

  • Language requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 for English or NCLC 7 for French in all language skills.
  • Field of study requirement: No additional restrictions apply; all fields of study are eligible.

b) Graduates from other university programs:

  • Language requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 for English or NCLC 7 for French in all language areas.
  • Field of study requirement: You must graduate from a program in a field of study that is in high demand in Canada.

c) College graduates or other programs:

  • Language requirement: A minimum of CLB 5 for English or NCLC 5 for French in all language skills.
  • Field of study requirement: You must graduate from an eligible field of study tied to specific occupations facing long-term shortages.

If your program has a field of study requirement, you must graduate from a program related to occupations experiencing long-term labor shortages. These fields are categorized into five major groups:

  • Agriculture and agri-food
  • Healthcare
  • Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
  • Trade
  • Transport

The new regulations signal a major shift in how Canada seeks to retain international talent. By adding language proficiency requirements and restricting fields of study, the government aims to ensure that PGWP holders are ready to join the Canadian workforce and support areas facing labor shortages.

For future international students, these changes highlight the importance of careful planning. When choosing a program of study, students should consider these new regulations to prepare for their career in Canada.

Click the link in the comments below to check if your upcoming field of study is eligible for PGWP after November 1, 2024!

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/study-requirements.html