Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Criteria from November 2024

If you’re planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, it’s important to be aware of upcoming changes to the eligibility requirements that will take effect after November 1, 2024. Here’s a breakdown of how these changes will impact you depending on when you apply and your field of study.

Current Eligibility Before November 1, 2024

For those applying for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you only need to meet the current eligibility requirements. These include completing a study program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that qualifies for PGWP eligibility. The rules for graduates of flight schools that are PGWP-eligible remain the same before and after this date.

New Eligibility Requirements After November 1, 2024

For those applying on or after November 1, 2024, new rules will apply, depending on your study permit submission date, field of study, and program level.

Graduates with Study Permits Submitted Before November 1, 2024

If you applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, and plan to apply for a PGWP after this date, you must meet additional requirements:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees from a University: You will need to demonstrate your language proficiency in English or French. A minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 for French in all four language areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) is required.
• Graduates from Other University Programs: The same language requirements apply, with a minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
• Graduates from College or Other Programs: A minimum language requirement of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French applies to college graduates and other programs not listed above.

Graduates with Study Permits Submitted On or After November 1, 2024

For those submitting study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024, the following eligibility criteria will apply:

• University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees): You must meet the same language requirements as above (CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French). No restrictions on fields of study will apply.
• Graduates from Other University Programs: You must meet the language requirement of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French and graduate in an eligible field of study.
• Graduates from College or Other Programs: A minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French is required, and you must graduate in an eligible field of study.

Language Requirements for PGWP

As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must provide proof of language proficiency when submitting their applications. You will need to demonstrate skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and your test results must be less than two years old at the time of application. Accepted language tests include:

• For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core
• For French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada