New PGWP Changes 2024: The Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program has been a crucial pathway for international students to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
However, significant changes to PGWP eligibility were announced on September 18 and are set to come into effect starting November 1, 2024.
Full details of the eligibility criteria were not shared at the time of announcement, but now IRCC has released a full list of courses that will be eligible for PGWP after November 1.
These new requirements are designed to streamline the process and ensure that only students with specific qualifications can benefit from this work permit.
In this article, we will break down the upcoming changes, explain what remains the same, and provide a comprehensive list of eligible programs for PGWP after November 1, 2024.
What Hasn’t Changed
For many international students, the core eligibility criteria for the PGWP program remain unchanged, even after the new rules take effect.
Here are the key aspects that remain the same:
- Designated Learning Institution Requirement: Students must continue to complete a program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI). This requirement has not changed.
- Physical Presence: The general requirement for students to be physically present in Canada for the majority of their program still applies.
- Existing Applications: If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you are only required to meet the current eligibility criteria, which means you won’t be impacted by the new changes.
- Flight School Graduates: If you graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school, you will not be subject to the new criteria, even if you apply for a work permit after November 1, 2024.
New Eligibility Requirements Effective November 1, 2024
If you are planning to apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, you must adhere to the newly introduced eligibility requirements.
These are categorized based on when you submitted your study permit application and your level of education.
1. For Students Who Submitted Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024
If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, the following conditions apply when you apply for a PGWP after this date:
- University Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree:
- Language Requirement: You must prove your proficiency in either English or French by achieving a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- 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 areas.
- College or Other Programs:
- Language Requirement: You are required to demonstrate a minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four language areas.
2. For Students Who Submit 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 are more stringent.
Here’s what you need to know based on your program of study:
- University Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree:
- Language Requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all language skills.
- Field of Study Requirement: No additional restrictions apply; all fields of study are eligible.
- Graduates from Other University Programs:
- Language Requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in 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.
- College Graduates or Other Programs:
- Language requirement: A minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four areas.
- Field of Study Requirement: You must graduate from an eligible field of study tied to specific occupations facing long-term shortages.
General Training English Tests Will Be Needed
As part of the new changes, language proficiency becomes a critical factor in determining your PGWP eligibility.
You must demonstrate your skills in the following areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Language test results must be less than two years old when submitting your PGWP application. Accepted language tests include:
English Language Tests:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Take the CELPIP-General test.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Take the IELTS General Training option.
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English): Take the PTE Core test.
Eligible Fields of Study for PGWP After November 1, 2024
The new PGWP rules introduce specific field of study requirements for some programs.
These fields are closely aligned with occupations in long-term shortage areas in Canada.
If your study program falls under any of these categories, you are eligible for the PGWP. The fields of study that lead to:
Below are few examples of eligible programs across different fields of study. Students are encouraged to consult their specific program’s CIP code to verify eligibility.
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)
- University Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree:
- Language Requirement: You are required to demonstrate a minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four language areas.
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)
- Pathology/Experimental Pathology (CIP Code: 26.0910)
- 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)
- University Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree:
