2024-10-08
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Study Abroad
Canada’s PGWP eligibility criteria announced
Canada's PGWP Eligibility Criteria Explained: A Guide for Students
Canada’s PGWP eligibility criteria announced
The new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria in Canada, effective for study permit applications submitted after November 1, 2024, include specific field of study requirements for college-level and some university programs. These requirements are divided into five categories: agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM, trade, and transport. The complete list of eligible programs can be found on the Government of Canada's website. Applicants for PGWPs before November 1, 2024, will still follow the current eligibility criteria. Graduates of bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree programs continue to be eligible for PGWPs for up to three years, while the field of study requirements do not apply to graduates of other types of university programs. New language requirements are in place for all PGWP applicants, with different minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) levels for university and college graduates. These changes are part of the IRCC's goal to reduce the number of international study permits issued and align temporary residents to 5% of Canada's total population by 2026. Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the impact of these changes on specific fields not included in the eligible list, such as hospitality, and the potential adverse effects on regional communities and the Canadian economy.
