Starting November 1, 2024, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement new rules for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes introduce stricter eligibility criteria for applicants.
Key Updates to PGWP Eligibility Requirements
New Language Proficiency Standards
Field of Study Restrictions
Proof of Language Proficiency
The details are as follows.
New Language Proficiency Standards
One of the main changes is the new language proficiency requirements, which vary depending on the type of degree or diploma:
Program Type | English Requirement | French Requirement |
University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees | CLB 7 in all skills | NCLC 7 in all skills |
Other university programs | CLB 7 in all skills | NCLC 7 in all skills |
College programs and other types | CLB 5 in all skills | NCLC 5 in all skills |
Field of Study Restrictions for Certain PGWP Applicants
Another significant change is the introduction of the field of study requirements for certain graduates. University bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates face no restrictions on their field of study. However, graduates from other university programs, as well as college graduates and those from other program types, must graduate from an eligible field of study.
Eligibility if you applied before November 1, 2024
Graduate Category | Language Requirement |
Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university | Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 areas |
Other university programs | Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 areas |
College programs or other programs not listed | Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 areas |
Eligibility if you apply on or after November 1, 2024
Graduate Category | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university | Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 areas | No restrictions on field of study |
Other university programs | Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 areas | Must graduate in an eligible field of study |
College programs or other programs not listed | Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 areas | Must graduate in an eligible field of study |
If your study program has a field of study requirement, you must graduate from a program connected to occupations with long-term shortages. These fields are categorized into five broad groups:
Agriculture and agri-food
Healthcare
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
Trade
Transport
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is used to categorize post-secondary education programs by field of study in Canada.
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