Canada Unveils New Targeted Programs for PGWP Eligibility

The changes have been anticipated for months, and finally, the list of programs eligible for the Postgraduation Work Permit(PGWP) has been confirmed.

It also gives you the details of who will be impacted by these changes. Here’s what you need to know all about that.

Key Takeaways

• Changes apply only to study applications submitted after November 1, 2024.
• Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree do not need to study in an in-demand field.
• Other university and college graduates must complete a program in an eligible field of study.
• Eligible fields are grouped into five categories aligned with occupations prioritized in Express Entry category-based draws.
• Over 966 programs are identified as eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• All PGWP applicants must demonstrate adequate language proficiency, regardless of their study permit application date.

Table of Contents:

1. What are the new Eligibility Requirements as per the changes?
2. What are the key rules that remain the same?
3. What is the impact of the changes announced on the future international students?
4. Conclusion

What are the new Eligibility Requirements as per the changes?

As per the new changes in the PGWP, 2 new eligibility requirements, the language requirement, and the field of study are added to the general criteria.

According to the new changes from the 1st of November, 2024 all applicant who apply for a PGWP has to submit proof of English or French language ability, 

The skill level required can vary based on the level of study completed.

All PGWP applications who have graduated from a university program must achieve at least a minimum score of CLB level 7 for all tested skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

It is also required that all applications received graduate of a college program must achieve a minimum score of CLB level 5 in all the four tested areas such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

The following are the language exams that are approved for applying for a PGWP with all results valid for 2 years :

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General 
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core

French

• TEF Canada and TCF Canada

Now regarding the Field of Study, it is required for all applicants applying for a study permit after November 1st. 2024 will need to be studied in a targeted field for a PGWP.

For years, eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has required that the study program lasts at least 8 months, and this requirement will remain in place. As a result, the first group of applicants who must demonstrate they studied in an approved field to qualify for a PGWP will appear in July 2025.

At that time (July 2025), not all applicants will need to meet the requirement of graduating from an eligible field of study. Specifically, those who graduate with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university will not need to be in an eligible field to qualify.

However, applicants completing other university or college programs will need to graduate in an approved field of study, selected to align with Canada’s labor shortages and in-demand occupations.

What are the key rules that remain the same?

The PGWP has seen numerous updates over the past few months. Here’s a reminder of key aspects that remain unchanged:

• Applicants must complete a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is approved for a PGWP.
• Students are required to have maintained full-time status throughout their studies, with a few limited exceptions.
• Applicants must hold a valid study permit or have held one within the past 180 days.

What is the impact of the changes announced on the future international students?

If you’re interested in studying in Canada with plans to work after graduation, it’s essential to ensure your program is eligible for work permits.

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs remain eligible regardless of the field of study, so competition for these programs among international students may be high. Starting your application process early and submitting a strong application can give you an edge, making preparation key.

For those considering college or other university programs, choosing an eligible field of study is crucial.

Since eligibility categories may change during your studies, opting for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program can be a safer choice, as these programs currently don’t have specific field-of-study requirements.

Conclusion

If you plan to study in Canada and apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, you may need to choose an eligible field of study if you’re in a college or certain university programs. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates are exempt from this requirement, but everyone must meet language proficiency standards. With over 966 eligible programs, there are many options to align studies with Canada’s in-demand careers, opening doors to future work opportunities.