The changes to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, effective November 1, 2024, bring new eligibility requirements, specifically impacting language proficiency and field of study criteria for international students.
Substantial modifications to PGWP eligibility were declared on September 18 and are scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2024, but at the time of publication full specifics of the eligibility requirements were not disclosed
On October 4, the IRCC published a complete list of study programs that will be eligible for PGWP after November 1.
Key Changes and New Eligibility Criteria
The updates in the Post-Graduation Work Permit(PGWP) program primarily differentiate between students based on the date they applied for their study permit. Here’s what these distinctions mean for international students applying for PGWPs after November 1:
1. For Study Permit Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024
- University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees): Applicants must meet a language proficiency standard of CLB 7 or higher in English or NCLC 7 in French across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Other University Programs: Similar language requirements of CLB/NCLC 7 apply.
- College or Other Programs: These graduates must achieve a minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all language components.
2. For Study Permit Applications Submitted On or After November 1, 2024
- University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees): Must meet the same language requirement of CLB 7 or NCLC 7.
- Graduates from Other University Programs: In addition to the language requirement (CLB/NCLC 7), these graduates must ensure their study field is in high demand within Canada’s labor market.
- College Graduates or Other Programs: Required to meet a minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French and ensure their program of study aligns with fields facing labor shortages.
Language Proficiency Testing
A significant focus of the new rules is on language proficiency, which is now a critical eligibility component. The accepted tests include:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – General test.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – General Training test.
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English) – Core test option.
Test results must be less than two years old at the time of the PGWP application.
Eligible Fields of Study
The changes also outline eligible fields of study for Post-Graduation Work Permit(PGWP) applicants, particularly for those applying after November 1. The fields align with sectors experiencing long-term labor shortages in Canada.
The IRCC’s release from October 4th offers a comprehensive list of 966 academic programs that are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit(PGWP), in response to the key question of what fields of study college graduates can pursue. Here are some key eligible sectors:
- Healthcare Occupations: Includes programs like Nutrition Sciences, Exercise Science, and Special Education.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Programs such as Computer Science, Molecular Genetics, and Genome Sciences.
- Trade Occupations: Includes specialized fields like Meat Cutting, Equestrian Studies, and Plant Nursery Operations.
- Transport Occupations: Aircraft Pilot training and Heavy Equipment Operation are eligible.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: Programs like Agronomy, Dairy Husbandry, and Greenhouse Management.
Students should verify the eligibility of their specific programs using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes provided by Canadian authorities.
1. Agriculture and Agri-Food:
- Agriculture, General (CIP Code: 01.0000)
- Agricultural Business and Management (CIP Code: 01.0101)
- Agronomy and Crop Science (CIP Code: 01.1102)
- Animal Health (CIP Code: 01.0903)
- Greenhouse Operations and Management (CIP Code: 01.0604)
- Dairy Husbandry and Production (CIP Code: 01.0306)
2. Healthcare:
- Veterinary Sciences (CIP Code: 01.8101)
- Disability Studies (CIP Code: 05.0210)
- Nutrition Sciences (CIP Code: 30.1901)
- Special Education (CIP Code: 13.1001)
- Exercise Science and Kinesiology (CIP Code: 31.0505)
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM):
- Molecular Genetics (CIP Code: 26.0802)
- Genome Sciences/Genomics (CIP Code: 26.0807)
- Pathology/Experimental Pathology (CIP Code: 26.0910)
- Exercise Physiology (CIP Code: 26.0908)
- Computer Science (CIP Code: 11.0701)
4. Trade:
- Meat Cutting (CIP Code: 12.0506)
- Equestrian/Equine Studies (CIP Code: 01.0507)
- Plant Nursery Operations and Management (CIP Code: 01.0606)
5. Transport:
- Aircraft Pilot (CIP Code: 49.0102)
- Marine Transportation (CIP Code: 49.0309)
- Heavy Equipment Operation (CIP Code: 49.0205)
These are just a few examples, Check the full list of CIP codes and titles here.
IRCC explains that as of that 1 November effective date, “If you graduated from a college program or any other program not listed above, you must graduate in an eligible field of study” in order to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
Marketa Evans, the president, and CEO of Colleges Ontario, expressed the organisation’s strong opposition to the new restrictions imposed on college graduates in an open letter to IRCC Minister Marc Miller on September 27. “I write to express our strong objection to the federal government’s decision to end automatic work permits for international students attending Ontario’s public colleges,” she stated.
The process by which the list of Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible programs has been determined remains unclear. The fact that provinces are not consulted and that local firms’ needs are determined by national labor market data worries us greatly. We implore the federal government and the province to cooperate in order to guarantee that the requirements of Ontarians are taken into account when implementing this new work permit system.”
Impact on Students
The new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) regulations mark a shift in Canada’s approach to retaining international talent. By introducing language proficiency benchmarks and limiting eligibility to certain fields of study, the government aims to ensure that Post-Graduation Work Permit holders can contribute effectively to areas with labor shortages. These adjustments highlight the importance of strategic planning for prospective international students, encouraging them to consider both their chosen academic programs and how they align with Canadian workforce needs. This approach aims to better integrate international graduates into the Canadian economy.
Recent Changes to the Study Program
Earlier this year, Canada set limits on the number of study permits that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would process for certain programs in 2024. Based on an analysis of student mobility and outcomes, as well as feedback from educational institutions and other stakeholders, the government has now adapted this approach for 2025 and 2026. In 2025, the cap will decrease by 10%, limiting study permits to 437,000. This cap will continue into 2026. Graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) will be included, and K-12 students will be exempt from these limits. Additionally, around 12% of the study permits will be reserved for master’s and doctoral students, who will also need to provide an attestation letter from their province or territory.
As Canadian post-secondary institutions face a challenging period with evolving regulations and funding demands, experts like Dr. Johnson see this as a chance for growth and transformation. He believes that this period will inspire innovation and a reevaluation of priorities within the education sector. For international students navigating new Post-Graduation Work Permit regulations, guidance can make a significant difference. With the support of experts like Keshav Sharma, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), students and graduates can receive the assistance they need to successfully navigate the complex process of working in Canada.
