Canada Changed in Post-Study Visa Rules

 Canada's new PGWP Rules

Starting November 1, 2024, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will introduce updated rules for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, adding stricter requirements around language proficiency and field of study for international students. These new guidelines mean that candidates must now demonstrate their language ability in English or French as part of their PGWP application. For English, the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) will be used to assess applicants’ skills, while French proficiency will be measured using the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC). Accepted tests for English include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), IELTS, and PTE Core. French applicants can submit results from the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada). All language test results must be no more than two years old and cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Beyond language requirements, the new regulations set specific conditions related to the applicant's field of study. International students will now need to have completed a program that aligns with fields experiencing long-term occupational shortages in Canada to qualify for a PGWP. The eligible areas of study are broad but focus on sectors such as agriculture, agri-food, healthcare, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), trades, and transport.

These changes underscore Canada’s commitment to addressing gaps in its labor market by aligning educational pathways for international students with the country’s economic needs. The stricter requirements aim to streamline the transition from study to work for international graduates in high-demand areas, helping Canada meet its workforce demands in sectors critical to the country’s long-term growth. Through these revised PGWP guidelines, Canada is working to ensure that its skilled labor force remains robust and responsive to evolving economic priorities, strengthening its appeal as a destination for education and employment among qualified global students.

FIELD OF STUDY REQUIREMENT UPDATED

In addition to language proof, the revised guidelines include specific field of study requirements. This means that if a candidate’s programme of study has a field requirement, they must have graduated from a course that aligns with particular occupations facing long-term shortages in Canada. The eligible fields are broadly categorised into agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), trade, and transport.

Under the new rules, PGWP applicants who want to study in Canada must submit proof of language proficiency along with their application.

For English speakers, proficiency will be measured against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), while French speakers will follow the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC).

The proficiency assessment covers four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Accepted English tests include the CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE Core.

For French, TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the accepted standards. Language test results must be recent—taken within the last two years—to be valid for submission.

This shift means that applicants should be prepared to demonstrate recent and certified language proficiency that meets Canadian standards, allowing employers to gauge the readiness of graduates in a competitive job market.

NEW FIELD-OF-STUDY REQUIREMENTS

Another significant change to the PGWP is the introduction of field-of-study criteria. Certain programmes may now require students to have studied in fields tied to occupations facing long-term shortages.

These fields are organised into five primary categories:

• Agriculture and Agri-food
• Healthcare
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Trades
• Transport

Candidates must ensure that their courses align with these in-demand sectors if the programme they are enrolled in includes a field-of-study requirement.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY AND LOCATION STILL REQUIRED

The PGWP’s general eligibility and location criteria remain in place despite these changes. Candidates who want to study in Canada must still:

• Complete their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) that qualifies for PGWP eligibility.
• Maintain full-time student status throughout their course, except in specific situations like taking an approved leave or studying part-time in the final semester.
• Additionally, applicants need to submit their PGWP application within 180 days of completing their studies. It’s also mandatory that their study permit was valid at some point within this 180-day window.

WHY THESE CHANGES MATTER

With these changes, IRCC aims to better align the PGWP programme with the needs of Canada’s labour market.

According to Professor Ritu Mehta, the chairperson of placement activities, this shift reflects a “recalibration of managerial jobs,” and acknowledges the value of attracting talent ready to fill key gaps across industries.

The increased emphasis on language proficiency and specific fields may help ensure that graduates are well-prepared for roles where demand is growing.

OLD REGULATIONS STILL APPLICABLE

The new rules will apply to all PGWP applications from November 1, but the existing regulations regarding general eligibility and physical location will continue.

Applicants must still complete their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is PGWP-eligible, and meet all other requirements that were in place before.

The announcement comes soon after Canada’s decision on September 19 to further reduce the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025.

To manage the growing volume of temporary resident arrivals, the government has set a new target based on a 10 per cent reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 study permits.