The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just recently announced new requirements for Post Graduate Work Permit for International Students starting November 1st, 2024, there would be new requirements for International students looking to apply to the Post Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWP).
Some things haven't changed though. You still need to meet the General and Physical Location eligibility requirements and complete a program at an eligible PGWP Eligible Institution.
Also, if you graduate from a PGWP Eligible Flight school, the new eligibility requirements do not apply to you.
The new requirements are two-fold:
- Language requirements and
- Field of Study requirements
We would everything you need to know about the process.
This article is divided into four sections depending on what best fits you.
Categerory 1: You have applied for the PostGraduate Work Permit Before November 1st, 2024
If you applied for the Canada Postgraduate Work Permit Program before November 1st, 2024, only the language requirements apply to you. The field of study requirements do not apply to you.
Category 2: You graduate from a Bachelor, Masters or PhD program and apply for your Postgraduate Work Permit on or after November 1st, 2024
If you fall under this category, then you need to meet both Language requirements and Field of Study requirement.
Field of Study Requirement
All fields of study are eligible. This means that whichever course or programme you studied, you're eligible to apply.
Language Requirement
You need a minimum of Level 7 Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in English or Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) in French. You'll be requirement to demonstrate skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Your test results must be less than 2 years old as at when you submitted your application.
The are acceptable tests you need to take and they vary based on the language.
Category 3: You graduated from another University Program (that's not Bachelors, Masters or PhD) and you're applying for PGWP on or after November 1st, 2024
If you fall under this category, the courses you qualify for are a little limited but the language requirements are the same.
Field of Study Requirement
The fields of study that are applicable are divided into 5 broad categories
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
Language Requirement
You need a minimum of Level 7 Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in English or Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) in French. You'll be requirement to demonstrate skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Your test results must be less than 2 years old as at when you submitted your application.
Conclusion
Always refer to the
Official IRCC website for further information on changing PGWP requirments. The new criteria apply for November 1st, 2024 and they fall under Language and Field of Study requirements. Do well to leave a comment if you have any questions
