Canada: IRCC's PGWP Changes Require International Students To Meet New Language And Field Of Study Criteria

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, which will come into effect from November 1, 2024. These changes include new criteria for students, particularly those graduating from college programmes, while keeping existing provisions for university graduates. PGWPs will remain available to students who applied for or were given a study permit before November 1, 2024. However, the new changes will apply to anyone who applies for a study permit on or after this date.

Field of study requirement for colleges

IRCC made a significant adjustment in the field of study requirement for graduates of college programmes. The new regulations require college graduates to finish their coursework in subjects related to Canada's ongoing labour shortages. Trade and transportation, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), healthcare, and agriculture and agri-food are the five areas into which these qualifying fields are divided. However, university graduates are not subject to this field of study requirement and can still apply for PGWPs if these restrictions are not filled.

Language proficiency requirements

Language proficiency is another important component of the new PGWP qualifying criterion. IRCC has established particular standards that students must satisfy to be eligible for a work permit, based on the level and type of programme they completed.

• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English

• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French

Students will need showcase their abilities in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The needed language skill level differs based on the type of educational program:

University degree graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral):

Graduates of degree programmes at universities must showcase a language proficiency level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.

College graduates and graduates of other programmes:

For graduates of college programs or any other non-university programs, the required language proficiency level is CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.

Proof of language proficiency

To meet the language requirements, students must provide valid language test results when applying for their PGWP. Exams that are widely accepted are TEF for French and the IELTS for English. Students needs to know that at the time of application, these test results have to be no older than two years.

Mohammad Nishat, pursuing a post-graduation diploma in Accountancy from York University, Canada, discussed his experience with the additional language requirements. He said, "Even I have to take the IELTS exam for my work permit..." After that, I'll be eligible for a work visa, which requires a score of 7."

He further added, "There is a lot of confusion among students; some students believe that the labour shortage condition would be applied to all students, and they will not be granted a three-year work visa. However, many students believe that present students in Canada will receive while prospective students who have yet to arrive in Canada will not. Aside from that, it's frustrating that the regulations are constantly changing, although the most recent ruling will have no effect on my current plans. However, I would need to have a backup plan for my permanent settlement."

This emphasis on language proficiency ensures that graduates entering the Canadian workforce have the communication skills required to succeed in a professional setting.