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In a significant development for international students, Canada’s updated Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules, effective from 1st November 2024, introduce new eligibility criteria. These changes are aimed at addressing labour shortages in key industries while ensuring students meet certain language proficiency requirements. International students planning to stay and work in Canada post-graduation must now carefully navigate these updated guidelines to secure a PGWP, as the changes come with stricter criteria.
Stricter Language Proficiency Requirements
A notable change in the new PGWP rules is the introduction of mandatory language proficiency tests.Graduates must now provide proof of language ability in either English or French when applying for a PGWP. The accepted language tests for English include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training option, and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core option. For French, candidates can take the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) or the Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada).
To be eligible for a PGWP, candidates must meet a minimum language benchmark, depending on their field of study and the level of their degree. For bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral graduates, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 is required in all four abilities — reading, writing, listening, and speaking. For college graduates or those from non-listed university programmes, the minimum required level is CLB 5 in all four abilities. These requirements ensure that students can effectively integrate into Canada’s workforce post-graduation.
Field of Study Requirements
Canada’s new PGWP rules are also targeted towards graduates in certain fields linked to long-term labour shortages. The updated regulations mandate that graduates from specific programmes must align their studies with key areas where Canada needs skilled workers. These include sectors such as
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• Trade
• Transport
Students graduating from fields that fall within these categories will have a clearer path to obtaining a PGWP. However, for those from other fields, especially non-university programmes, meeting the new field-of-study requirement is essential for work permit eligibility. Importantly, university graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees will not be subjected to additional field-of-study restrictions.
How to Apply for a PGWP under the New Rules
Graduates have up to 180 days after completing their studies to apply for a PGWP. However, to be eligible to work while waiting for a decision on their application, students must apply with a valid study permit. Applicants are required to provide documents such as their degree or diploma, official transcripts, or a letter of completion from their institution to confirm their educational qualifications.
The updated rules also state that graduates can no longer apply for a PGWP at a port of entry. Applications must now be submitted online, either from within Canada or from abroad. Additionally, those seeking to work in fields requiring medical exams can opt for an upfront medical exam, no more than 90 days before applying for their PGWP.
Restoring Your Status as a Student
If a student’s study permit expires before applying for the PGWP, they have up to 90 days to restore their status. This requires submitting both the PGWP application and a fee to restore their student status. During this period, however, they are not permitted to work until both their study and work permits have been approved.
The New Landscape for International Graduates
Canada’s updated PGWP rules reflect the country’s changing economic landscape and its ongoing efforts to match skilled workers with labour shortages in key sectors. While the stricter language and field-of-study requirements may pose challenges for some students, they also present new opportunities for graduates in high-demand industries. For those planning to study in Canada, understanding and meeting these new requirements will be crucial for post-graduation work opportunities.
Key PGWP Changes Effective from 1st November 2024
A New Era for International Students in Canada
Canada’s decision to introduce these new PGWP rules comes at a time when the country is actively seeking to fill labour gaps in several key sectors. By aligning educational outcomes with market needs, the updated regulations aim to ensure that international graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the Canadian workforce. Students now need to be more strategic in their educational and language proficiency planning to take full advantage of these opportunities.
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