Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new guidelines for the Canada Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) starting from November 1, 2024.
These changes affect international graduates seeking to apply for a Canada work permit, aligning eligibility with Canada’s evolving labour market needs. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules for the Canada PGWP 2024.
Topics Discussed:
- New Eligibility Criteria for Canada PGWP 2024
- Fields of Study for Canada Post-Graduate Work Permit
- Canada Work Visa Language Requirements
- How to Determine Program Eligibility for Canada Work Permit
New Eligibility Criteria for Canada PGWP 2024
Starting November 1, international graduates applying for the Canada post-graduate work permit must meet new requirements aligned with national labor market demands. The updated Canada work visa rules are designed to ensure that applicants’ education aligns with job sectors most in demand, such as healthcare, STEM, and trades.
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Fields of Study for Canada Post-Graduate Work Permit
To qualify for the Canada PGWP 2024, students must graduate from specific fields of study that correspond to the Express Entry categories introduced in 2023. Eligible fields include Agriculture and Agri-Food, Healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Trades, and Transport. Each program is classified using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code, which mirrors the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system used for jobs.
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Canada Work Visa Language Requirements
In addition to field-specific requirements, the new Canada PGWP 2024 guidelines introduce language criteria. University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French. For non-university programs, a CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French is required. These benchmarks ensure that international students are well-prepared to enter Canada’s competitive labor market.
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How to Determine Program Eligibility for Canada Work Permit
International graduates can check their program’s eligibility by visiting Statistics Canada’s website to search for their CIP code. This step is crucial in ensuring that their education qualifies them for the Canada work permit under the new PGWP rules.
Conclusion
The Canada PGWP 2024 guidelines mark a significant shift in how post-graduate work permits are granted. International students looking to work in Canada after graduation must now carefully consider their field of study and language proficiency to ensure eligibility. By aligning immigration policies with labor market demands, Canada aims to support both its economy and international graduates entering the workforce.
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