Work in Canada after you graduate, Changes to PGWP eligibility criteria

Starting November 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will enforce stricter eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, focusing on aligning international graduates with Canada’s labor market needs. The new rules aim to better prepare international students for the workforce and address skill shortages in key industries.

Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility:

1. Higher Language Proficiency Requirements:
   • University graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees) must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in all four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) for English or NCLC 7 for French.
   • College graduates and those from other programs must meet a minimum CLB 5 or NCLC 5.
2. Field of Study Restrictions:
   • Graduates from non-bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs must now complete studies in specific fields where there are long-term labor shortages. Eligible sectors include:
     • Agriculture and agri-food
     • Healthcare
     • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
     • Trades
     • Transportation

These changes will primarily affect college graduates and students from certain programs not in high-demand sectors. However, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree holders face no restrictions on their field of study.

3. Proof of Language Proficiency:
   • PGWP applicants must submit language test results that are less than two years old. Accepted tests include:
     • English Tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core.
     • French Tests: TEF Canada, TCF Canada.

Source – canada.ca