New Changes to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): What You Need to Know and How CollegeApply Can Help You Get It Right

If you’re an international student dreaming of working in Canada after graduation, there’s big news! On September 18, 2024, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new measures for their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, aligning it more closely with Canada’s labour market needs.

Here’s the scoop: If you’re studying in fields linked to occupations with long-term shortages in Canada, you’ll still be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years—but there are new field of study requirements, and it’s important to know if your program qualifies. These updates are designed to help Canada bring in the right talent, and as of October 4, 2024, we now have more clarity on what these changes mean for you.

Who These Changes Impact

The good news is, if you’ve already submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, the rules remain fairly straightforward for you. But if you’re applying on or after November 1, 2024, you’ll need to meet some new requirements to make sure you can apply for a PGWP when the time comes.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. For University Graduates

   
   

   If you’re graduating with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree:

   • You’ll need to prove your language skills with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.

   • All fields of study at the university level remain eligible for a PGWP—so no worries there!

     
     

2. For Graduates from Other University Programs

   • You’ll still need to prove your language skills at the same level (CLB 7 or NCLC 7).

   • But here’s the catch: You need to make sure your program is in an eligible field of study.

     
     

3. For College Graduates

   • If you’ve completed a college program or another eligible program, your language requirements are a bit lower, needing a CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in English or French.

   • Like with other university programs, you’ll need to ensure your field of study aligns with the long-term shortage occupations in Canada.

What Are the Long-Term Shortage Fields?

To qualify for the PGWP, your study program must fall into one of five broad categories linked to occupations that Canada really needs more workers for:

1. Agriculture and Agri-food

2. Healthcare (this has the most eligible programs)

3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

4. Trade

5. Transport

There are 966 specific programs that fall into these categories, so it’s crucial to ensure that the program you choose (or have completed) qualifies. You can explore the full list of eligible programs through the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) provided by the IRCC.

Why CollegeApply Immigrations?

Let’s be honest—figuring out all these requirements can be overwhelming, especially with the constant changes in immigration rules. That’s where we come in. At CollegeApply, we’re all about taking the stress off your shoulders. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from selecting the right study program to making sure you meet the eligibility requirements for your PGWP.

When you apply through CollegeApply, we ensure:

• You’re applying to eligible programs that will get you that precious PGWP.

• We help you navigate the language requirements, making sure you’re fully prepared to meet them.

• You get a clear, personalized path for your study permit application and PGWP success, ensuring no surprises along the way.

Our goal is simple: To make the process seamless so you can focus on what really matters—your studies and future career in Canada. With us, you won’t have to worry about missing out on your PGWP because of confusion or missteps. We know the ins and outs of the system, and we’re here to make sure you get it right the first time.

What You Need to Do Now

If you’re submitting your study permit application before November 1, 2024, you’re in good shape, but be sure you meet the language requirements.

If you’re applying on or after November 1, 2024, double-check that your field of study is eligible and that you meet the new language benchmarks. You can explore the official list of eligible programs and fields right here.

Have any questions or need help?

That’s what we’re here for. Let us at CollegeApply take the stress out of the process and get you on the right track toward your Post-Graduation Work Permit—and, ultimately, your future in Canada.

Start your journey today and let us guide you to success!