Study Permit Applicants Before November 1 Still Eligible for PGWP
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Eligibility Criteria for PGWP Based on Study Permit Application Date
- Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP Applicants
- Impact of Changing Schools on PGWP Eligibility
- Summary of PGWP Eligibility for Different Study Levels
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
As of November 2024, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new eligibility requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). These updates impact international students who have applied for a study permit before or after November 1, 2024. The rules clarify how the date of a study permit application will affect PGWP eligibility, with notable changes to language proficiency and field of study requirements.
2. Eligibility Criteria for PGWP Based on Study Permit Application Date
One of the key updates to the PGWP program concerns the date on which the study permit application was submitted. Initially, it was understood that only those who applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, would be exempt from the new field of study requirements. However, IRCC has now clarified that it is the study permit application date, rather than the PGWP application date, that determines eligibility for these exemptions.
- Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024: If a student applied for their study permit before this date, they do not need to meet the new field of study requirements for a PGWP, even if they apply for the work permit later.
- Study Permit Applications After November 1, 2024: Students applying for study permits after this date will need to meet the updated field of study and language proficiency requirements for PGWP eligibility.
3. Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP Applicants
Regardless of when the study permit was applied for, all PGWP applicants must meet specific language proficiency requirements.
- English Proficiency: Students need to prove their English language skills with an IRCC-approved language test, demonstrating proficiency in all four language abilities—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—at the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher.
- French Proficiency: For students who wish to prove their proficiency in French, the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale will be used. The minimum requirement is also a level 7 in all four language abilities.
4. Impact of Changing Schools on PGWP Eligibility
Another significant update affects international students who change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) during their studies. While students who applied for study permits before November 1, 2024, are generally exempt from the new field of study requirements, transferring to a new school could impact their PGWP eligibility.
- Transfer to New DLI: If an international student with a study permit issued before November 1, 2024, transfers to a new school, the effective date for their PGWP application will be considered the date of their most recent study permit application. As a result, they will be subject to the new field of study requirements unless they graduate from a university bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program.
- New Study Permit Requirements: From November 8, 2024, students transferring schools will be required to apply for a new study permit, which could affect their eligibility for a PGWP. To ensure eligibility, the new school must be on the list of approved DLIs, and the student’s program should meet the updated criteria.
5. Summary of PGWP Eligibility for Different Study Levels
The updated eligibility requirements are summarized in the tables below. These tables show the language proficiency and field of study criteria for students depending on when their study permit was applied for.
PGWP Eligibility for Study Permit Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024:
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
| University Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Programs | English/French proficiency equivalent to CLB/NCLC level 7 in all four language abilities. | Not applicable |
| Other University Programs | English/French proficiency equivalent to CLB/NCLC level 7 in all four language abilities. | Not applicable |
| College Programs or Non-University Programs | English/French proficiency equivalent to CLB/NCLC level 5 in all four language abilities. | Not applicable |
PGWP Eligibility for Study Permit Applications Submitted After November 1, 2024:
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
| University Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Programs | English/French proficiency equivalent to CLB/NCLC level 7 in all four language abilities. | Not applicable |
| Other University Programs | English/French proficiency equivalent to CLB/NCLC level 7 in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
| College Programs or Non-University Programs | English/French proficiency equivalent to CLB/NCLC level 5 in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
6. Key Takeaways
- Eligibility for PGWP: The eligibility for a PGWP depends on when a study permit was applied for. If the application was before November 1, 2024, students are not required to meet the new field of study requirements for PGWP.
- Language Proficiency: All PGWP applicants must meet language proficiency requirements, with CLB/NCLC level 7 required for university programs and level 5 for college or non-university programs.
- Impact of School Transfers: Changing schools may impact eligibility for PGWP, especially if the transfer occurs after November 1, 2024. Students should ensure that their new school is an approved DLI and meets all PGWP eligibility criteria.
7. Conclusion
The 2024 updates to the Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit program provide clarity regarding eligibility, particularly for students applying for study permits before and after November 1, 2024. While language proficiency remains a key requirement for all PGWP applicants, students who applied for their study permits before this date are exempt from new field of study restrictions. It is important for international students to stay informed and understand how these changes may affect their future work opportunities in Canada.
For a free consultation about your work permit and student permit options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
