Changes to PGWP criteria, majors and disciplines matter
8 Oct 2024
After completing their studies at a designated institution in Canada, graduates are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a post-graduation work visa. This is an open-ended work permit that allows you to work for up to three years at any job of your choice, and is an important program that gives many international students the opportunity to build their careers and settle in Canada. However, the Canadian government recently announced significant changes to PGWP eligibility requirements, which will take effect on November 1, 2024, and could have a significant impact on international students who have been preparing for their PGWP. In this column, we'll take a closer look at the changes.
First, let's start with some things that haven't changed: If you are currently studying or have already graduated and apply for PGWP before November 1, 2024, you will still be eligible for a visa as long as you meet the existing eligibility requirements. For example, flight school graduates who are eligible for the PGWP will still be able to apply for a visa after November 2024 under the existing criteria.
However, after November 1, 2024, all students who want to apply for the PGWP will need to meet new eligibility requirements. First and foremost, language proficiency will be required differently than before. Students who have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a university will need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, with a minimum score of CLB 7. College graduates are also subject to language proficiency requirements, which are somewhat relaxed and based on a CLB 5 level.
The most notable requirement, and the one that will have the biggest impact, is the field of study requirement, which may make those who previously met the requirements for a PGWP ineligible for issuance. Graduates with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree will not be subject to discipline restrictions for PGWPs, but for graduates of college and other educational programs, the field of study will play a role. After November 2024, you will only be able to apply for a PGWP if you graduated in a field that is aligned with a specific occupational group designated by the Government of Canada. This is an extension of a strategic move to address Canada's long-term labor shortage, and there are five main fields of study where students graduating in these fields will benefit from the PGWP.
The first is the Agriculture and Agri-Food sector. Canada's agriculture and food industry plays an important role in the national economy, and there is an ongoing need for talent in this sector. The second is Healthcare. Canada is experiencing severe shortages in a variety of healthcare occupations, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare support staff, and graduates in these fields are more likely to receive a PGWP. The third is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), which is a major driver of economic development and innovation in Canada, and graduates have a significant advantage in finding employment. The fourth is trade. Skilled trades or trade-related occupations are in constant demand across Canada and include a wide range of technical occupations such as construction, electrical, plumbing, auto repair, and more. Lastly, Transport, occupations related to air, sea, and land transportation are in high demand in the Canadian labor market due to the country's economic and logistics system.
As such, the Canadian government is expanding the availability of PGWPs to graduates in certain fields of study, which can be understood as a strategy to address long-term labor supply and demand issues. On the other hand, graduates outside of these five fields may find it difficult to apply for a PGWP. Therefore, international students need to choose their majors with employment in mind and set a long-term academic plan.
In conclusion, the changes to the PGWP eligibility requirements will have a significant impact on international students seeking to work in Canada. With the increased language proficiency requirements and academic discipline requirements, students will need to prepare more thoroughly and set specific goals to become the talent Canada needs. This will allow the Canadian government to more effectively attract the talent it needs, and also paint a picture of its long-term goals for potential permanent residents. If you understand and prepare for these changes, you can still find a successful path to employment and settlement in Canada.
After completing their studies at a designated institution in Canada, graduates are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a post-graduation work visa. This is an open-ended work permit that allows you to work for up to three years at any job of your choice, and is an important program that gives many international students the opportunity to build their careers and settle in Canada. However, the Canadian government recently announced significant changes to PGWP eligibility requirements, which will take effect on November 1, 2024, and could have a significant impact on international students who have been preparing for their PGWP. In this column, we'll take a closer look at the changes.
First, let's start with some things that haven't changed: If you are currently studying or have already graduated and apply for PGWP before November 1, 2024, you will still be eligible for a visa as long as you meet the existing eligibility requirements. For example, flight school graduates who are eligible for the PGWP will still be able to apply for a visa after November 2024 under the existing criteria.
However, after November 1, 2024, all students who want to apply for the PGWP will need to meet new eligibility requirements. First and foremost, language proficiency will be required differently than before. Students who have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a university will need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, with a minimum score of CLB 7. College graduates are also subject to language proficiency requirements, which are somewhat relaxed and based on a CLB 5 level.
The most notable requirement, and the one that will have the biggest impact, is the field of study requirement, which may make those who previously met the requirements for a PGWP ineligible for issuance. Graduates with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree will not be subject to discipline restrictions for PGWPs, but for graduates of college and other educational programs, the field of study will play a role. After November 2024, you will only be able to apply for a PGWP if you graduated in a field that is aligned with a specific occupational group designated by the Government of Canada. This is an extension of a strategic move to address Canada's long-term labor shortage, and there are five main fields of study where students graduating in these fields will benefit from the PGWP.
The first is the Agriculture and Agri-Food sector. Canada's agriculture and food industry plays an important role in the national economy, and there is an ongoing need for talent in this sector. The second is Healthcare. Canada is experiencing severe shortages in a variety of healthcare occupations, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare support staff, and graduates in these fields are more likely to receive a PGWP. The third is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), which is a major driver of economic development and innovation in Canada, and graduates have a significant advantage in finding employment. The fourth is trade. Skilled trades or trade-related occupations are in constant demand across Canada and include a wide range of technical occupations such as construction, electrical, plumbing, auto repair, and more. Lastly, Transport, occupations related to air, sea, and land transportation are in high demand in the Canadian labor market due to the country's economic and logistics system.
As such, the Canadian government is expanding the availability of PGWPs to graduates in certain fields of study, which can be understood as a strategy to address long-term labor supply and demand issues. On the other hand, graduates outside of these five fields may find it difficult to apply for a PGWP. Therefore, international students need to choose their majors with employment in mind and set a long-term academic plan.
In conclusion, the changes to the PGWP eligibility requirements will have a significant impact on international students seeking to work in Canada. With the increased language proficiency requirements and academic discipline requirements, students will need to prepare more thoroughly and set specific goals to become the talent Canada needs. This will allow the Canadian government to more effectively attract the talent it needs, and also paint a picture of its long-term goals for potential permanent residents. If you understand and prepare for these changes, you can still find a successful path to employment and settlement in Canada.