Updates on PGWP Eligibility Criteria
This post provides an overview of the recent updates to the eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Overview
What Remains the Same
- To qualify for a PGWP, you must still adhere to the general eligibility criteria and physical location requirements, even after November 1, 2024, and complete your studies at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.
- If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you only need to satisfy the existing eligibility criteria.
- Graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools will also follow the current criteria, even beyond November 1, 2024. This means the new eligibility requirements outlined below do not apply to you.
New Eligibility Requirements
For Those Who Submitted Their Study Permit Application Before November 1, 2024 If you applied for your study permit before this date and are applying for a PGWP afterward, you must also meet the updated requirements relevant to your situation:
- If you graduated with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university:
- Language Requirement: You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 across all four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- If you graduated from any other university program:
- Language Requirement: Same as above—CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all areas.
- If you graduated from a college program or other non-listed programs:
- Language Requirement: You need a minimum of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all areas.
For Those Who Submit Their Study Permit Application On or After November 1, 2024 If you submit your study permit application on or after this date, you must meet the following new requirements:
- For university graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree:
- Language Requirement: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all areas.
- Field of Study Requirement: All fields are eligible; no additional requirements.
- For other university program graduates:
- Language Requirement: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all areas.
- Field of Study Requirement: Must graduate from an eligible field of study.
- For college program graduates or other non-listed programs:
- Language Requirement: CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all areas.
- Field of Study Requirement: Must graduate from an eligible field of study.
Language Requirements
You must provide proof of language ability when applying for the PGWP. The following benchmarks are used to assess your English or French proficiency:
- English: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
- French: Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)
Proof of Language Ability
To meet the language requirements, you need to demonstrate proficiency in:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Your language test results must be less than two years old at the time of your application. Accepted tests include:
- For English:
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General recommended)
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General Training option)
- PTE Core: Pearson Test of English (Core option)
- For French:
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
Field of Study Requirement
If applicable, the field of study requirement stipulates that you must graduate from a program linked to occupations in long-term shortage. These fields are categorized into five main areas:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
Stay informed about these changes to ensure a smooth transition into working in Canada after your studies!