The other day, the Canadian government released information that the country plans to introduce major changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWP). Find out what will change for students and expats from November 1, 2024

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Canada plans to approve major changes to its post-graduate work permit (PGWP) program. The new rules are expected to come into effect on November 1, 2024. Such actions are aimed at managing the growing number of temporary residents.

We will talk about the new eligibility criteria for foreign students below.

What will change in the requirements for obtaining a post-graduate work permit in Canada?

From 1 November 2024, students applying for the PGWP will need to meet updated eligibility criteria based on their program and field of study.

To qualify, students must:

- Complete a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that meets the requirements of the PGWP.

- Fulfill both general requirements and site-specific requirements.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Eligibility criteria for a post-study work permit

- Requirements for students applying for a work permit before November 1, 2024

If you apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) before 1 November 2024, you will only need to meet the current language proficiency eligibility criteria:

1. University graduates (Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree) - proof of proficiency in English or French at CLB 7 or NCLC 7 level in all four language areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening).

2. Other graduates of a university program - minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language areas.

3. Graduates of the college program - minimum of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.

- New conditions for submitting applications after November 1, 2024

Graduates planning to obtain a permit after November 1, 2024 must meet the following requirements:

1. University graduates (bachelor's, master's or doctor's degree)

Language Requirements – Proof of English or French at CLB 7 or NCLC 7 level in all four language areas.

Field of study requirements – no specific field of study is required.

2. Other graduates of the university program

Language requirements are a minimum of CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language areas.

Requirements for the field of study - it is necessary to graduate from the relevant specialty.

3. Graduates of the college program

Language requirements are a minimum of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.

Requirements for the field of study - it is necessary to graduate from the relevant specialty.

It is worth noting that several key criteria for obtaining a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) remain unchanged.

Criteria and requirements for obtaining a work permit after November 1, 2024, which remain unchanged

1. General and Location Requirements – Applicants must still meet existing general and physical location criteria to be eligible for the PGWP. This applies to all applicants, even after November 1, 2024.

2. Current Eligibility Criteria – If you apply for PGWP before 1 November 2024, you only need to meet the current eligibility standards.

3. Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools – If you have graduated from PGWP-eligible flight schools, the new rules do not apply to you. You will still meet the current eligibility criteria even if you apply after November 1, 2024.

This means that while most applicants are expected to change, the new requirements will not affect those applying in these particular circumstances.

In general, the approved changes are aimed at better aligning international education with the needs of the Canadian labor market.

However, students planning to apply for a PGWP after 1 November 2024 should ensure that they meet the updated language and field of study requirements to improve their chances of obtaining a work permit.

We will remind you! In recent months, Canada has refused entry to an increasing number of visitors and has significantly reduced the number of visas issued. Find out what is the reason for the drastic change in the country's immigration policy.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.