Update on PGWP Eligibility Requirement
Following up on our previous article, today we would like to provide an update on the important changes to the International Student Programs. Effective November 1, 2024, the eligibility criteria for applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will change significantly.、
What remains the same
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must continue to meet the general requirements even after November 1, 2024, and complete a study program at a designated learning institution.
If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you must only meet the current eligibility criteria. If you have already completed your studies, we recommend that you apply for a PGWP as soon as possible.
New Eligibility Requirements
From 1 November 2024, all PGWP applicants must provide proof of language ability to meet the language requirements for the PGWP. Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application.
Please check here to find out about the language test required and the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
▶︎If you submitted your Study Permit application before November 1, 2024:
If you submitted your Study Permit application before November 1, 2024, and are applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, you must meet the following new requirements.
If you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree from a university: You must prove your English or French language skills with an English Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
If you graduated from any other university program: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
If you graduated from a college program or any other program: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.
▶︎If you submit your Study Permit application on or after November 1, 2024:
If you submit your Study Permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you must meet the following new requirements to be eligible to apply for a PGWP.
If you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree from a university: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas. All fields of study are eligible. There is no additional field of study requirement.
If you graduated from any other university program: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas. Also, you must graduate in an *eligible field of study.
If you graduated from a college program or any other program: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas. Also, you must graduate in an *eligible field of study.
*If there is a requirement for a field of study, you must graduate from a designated field of program. The fields of study are divided into the following 5 broad categories:
- agriculture and agri-food
- healthcare
- science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- trade
- transport
For more information on this news, please check the link below.
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As mentioned above, starting November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must provide proof of language ability. Test results are valid for 2 years, so those applying for the PGWP after graduation should plan to obtain a score while still in school.
Both existing and prospective students must be aware of the new regulations and prepare applications carefully.
If you need our assistance or advice on applying for a Study Permit or PGWP, please feel free to send your inquiry using this form.
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