Navigating the Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits in Canada
The journey from international student to Canadian workforce member is a path filled with opportunities and challenges. One of the critical steps in this transition is obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows graduates of Canadian institutions to gain valuable work experience in Canada. Understanding the eligibility requirements for a PGWP is essential for students who wish to extend their stay in Canada after their studies.
Eligibility Criteria for PGWP
To be eligible for a PGWP, students must have completed a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is at least eight months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
If you applied for a Study Permit before November 1, 2024
The only change is a requirement to submit the results of an official language test. Starting November 1, 2024, all university graduates must demonstrate a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French across all four language areas and college graduates must achieve a minimum of level 5. A language test must be submitted with the PGWP application.
If you applied for a Study Permit on or after November 1, 2024
In addition to the above-noted language requirement, eligibility for a PGWP may be limited to certan fields of study.
If you obtain a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program, there are no restrictions on your field of study. If you graduated from any other university program or from a college program, you must graduate in an eligible field of study.
The list of eligible fields of study reflects areas with long-term worker shortages, broadly falling within these categories:
agriculture and agri-food
healthcare
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
trade
transport
You can search for specific eligible fields within the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) list on the IRCC website.
If you need help to navigate the PGWP pathway, or any other Canadian immigration program, contact us!