As of November 1, 2024, Canada will implement new rules for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, significantly impacting international students and foreign workers aiming to stay and work in the country.
These changes are intended to align Canada’s immigration policies with the country’s economic needs by addressing labor shortages in specific sectors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the new rules and what they mean for applicants.
Key Changes in the Work Permit Rules
1. Language Proficiency Requirements
Starting November 2024, applicants will need to meet language proficiency benchmarks. For university graduates, the minimum required level is CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French across all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). College graduates, however, will need CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
2. Field of Study Requirements
Not all fields of study will be eligible for the PGWP. After November 1, 2024, students must graduate from programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), agriculture, trades, and transportation to qualify for the PGWP. This aligns with Canada’s focus on filling critical labor shortages in these sectors.
3. Spousal Open Work Permit Changes
The eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) will also be restricted. Moving forward, only spouses of highly skilled workers in fields facing labor shortages (such as engineers and healthcare workers) or students in doctoral, master’s, and professional programs will be eligible.
This change aims to limit the number of open work permits issued, cutting down around 100,000 spousal permits over the next three years.
4. Reduced PGWP Duration
For those graduating from programs that are not directly linked to high-demand occupations, the duration of the PGWP will be reduced from three years to two years.
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Language Proficiency | CLB 7 for university graduates; CLB 5 for college graduates |
| Eligible Fields of Study | Healthcare, STEM, Agriculture, Trades, Transportation |
| Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility | Restricted to spouses of highly skilled workers or graduate-level students |
| PGWP Duration | Reduced to 2 years for graduates in non-critical fields |
| Effective Date | November 1, 2024 |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a work permit under the new rules, you must:
- Graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Meet the required language proficiency level for your education category.
- Complete a study program in one of the eligible fields of study linked to occupations with long-term shortages.
- Ensure your program is recognized by the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) to verify eligibility.
FAQs
- What language test should I take for PGWP?
Accepted language tests include CELPIP for English and IELTS General or PTE Core. Results must be less than two years old. - Will all students be affected by the new rules?
Students who submit their PGWP applications before November 1, 2024, will not be impacted by these changes. - Can I apply if my field of study isn’t on the eligible list?
No, after November 1, 2024, only students in eligible fields will qualify for a full-length PGWP. - Will the new rules affect spousal work permits?
Yes, only spouses of workers in critical fields or those studying in advanced programs will be eligible for open work permits. - When will the new Immigration Levels Plan be announced?
Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027) will be announced on November 1, 2024, offering further insights into the country’s immigration strategies.
