Big Changes: Canada IRCC Announces 8 New PGWP Rules for International Students

New PGWP changes 2024: The Canadian government has announced changes to its post-graduate work permit (PGWP) for international students starting November 1, 2024. To be eligible for a PGWP, you must continue to meet the general and physical location eligibility requirements (even after November 1, 2024) and complete a study program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.

PGWP eligibility were announced on September 18, 2024 and are set to come into effect starting November 1, 2024.

New Eligibility Requirements Effective November 1, 2024

If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, the eligibility requirements are more stringent.

Here’s what you need to know based on your program of study:

University Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree:

• Language Requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all language skills.
• Field of Study Requirement: No additional restrictions apply; all fields of study are eligible.

Graduates from Other University Programs:

• • • Language Requirement: A minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all language areas.
    • Field of Study Requirement: You must graduate from a program in a field of study that is in high demand in Canada.

College Graduates or Other Programs:

• • • Language requirement: A minimum of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four areas.
    • Field of Study Requirement: You must graduate from an eligible field of study tied to specific occupations facing long-term shortages.

General Training English Tests Will Be Needed

As part of the new changes, language proficiency becomes a critical factor in determining your PGWP eligibility.

You must demonstrate your skills in the following areas:

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Listening
4. Speaking

Language test results must be less than two years old when submitting your PGWP application. Accepted language tests include:

English Language Tests:

• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Take the CELPIP-General test.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Take the IELTS General Training option.
• PTE Core (Pearson Test of English): Take the PTE Core test.

Benefits of the New PGWP Changes

Before diving into the details, let’s first look at the benefits of these new PGWP changes:

1. Better Job Matching: The changes will help match international students with jobs that are in high demand in Canada, increasing their chances of finding employment after graduation.
2. Improved Language Skills: New language requirements will help students improve their English or French, which is beneficial for both their professional and personal lives.
3. More Job Opportunities: By aligning study programs with labor market needs, students will have access to more job opportunities in their field of study.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency: The changes will create a clearer pathway for students to transition from temporary to permanent residency in Canada.
5. Enhanced Work Experience: Students will gain valuable work experience in occupations that are crucial to the Canadian economy.
6. Support for Specific Groups: Certain groups, like French-speaking students or those in high-demand degree programs, may receive special consideration under the new rules.

Overview of the Eight New Changes

1. Eligibility Based on Occupations in Demand

IRCC is considering making PGWP eligibility based on occupations that are in high demand. The goal is to ensure that graduates have the skills needed for jobs that are currently facing shortages.

2. New Language Requirements

Students may need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English or French to qualify. This change aims to ensure that graduates can effectively communicate in the workplace and integrate into Canadian society.

3. Proof of Job Offer for Extended PGWP

Students may need to show proof of a job offer in an occupation that is in demand to extend their PGWP beyond one year. This requirement would help ensure that graduates are finding employment in their field of study and contributing to the Canadian economy.

4. Additional Eligibility Criteria

Provincial support or further language testing, may be introduced. These criteria would need to be met for students to extend their PGWP beyond the initial year. The goal is to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the Canadian job market.

5. Immediate Implementation for New Changes

IRCC is considering applying these changes to all new graduates upon announcement, rather than grandfathering in current students. This means that all students, regardless of when they started their studies, would need to meet the new eligibility criteria.

6. Regular Revision of Occupations List

The list of occupations in demand will be regularly revised to reflect the changing needs of the Canadian labor market. Stakeholders are being consulted to determine how often these revisions should take place and when they should be implemented for students currently studying.

7. Alignment with Provincial Needs

This means that students who study in provinces with specific labor market needs will have better chances of finding employment and staying in those provinces long-term.

8. Pathway to Permanent Residency

The changes will also consider the alignment of PGWP eligibility with pathways to permanent residency. This will help ensure that international students who find jobs in key sectors can transition to permanent residency more easily.

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