The best is yet to come
OK
Log out of UNA?
Log out
Cancel
Revolutionizing Immigration with AI
My Appointments
Welcome to UNA
Major changes to Canada’s PGWP work visa policy will take effect on November 1, 2024

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in Canada has long been a crucial pathway for international students to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies. On September 18, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced major changes to the PGWP eligibility, which will take effect on November 1, 2024.

IRCC has now released a new, complete list of study programs that qualify for PGWP eligibility. These new requirements aim to simplify the application process and ensure that only students with specific qualifications can benefit from this work permit.

Unchanged policies

Despite the new regulations coming into effect, the core eligibility criteria for the PGWP program remain unchanged for many international students:

  • Designated Learning Institution (DLI) requirement: Students must still complete their studies at a DLI that qualifies for PGWP eligibility.
  • Full-time studies in Canada: Students must complete most of their program within Canada.
  • Existing applications: If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, you only need to meet the current eligibility criteria and will not be affected by the new changes.
  • Flight school graduates: If you graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school, you will not be subject to the new standards, even if you apply for a work permit after November 1, 2024.

New eligibility requirements effective November 1, 2024

If you plan to apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, you must comply with the newly introduced eligibility requirements, which are categorized based on the time you submitted your study permit application and your education level.

1. For students who submitted a study permit application before November 1, 2024

  • University undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral graduates:
    • Language requirements: You must achieve a level 7 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) across all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French.
  • Graduates of other university programs:
    • Language requirements: You must also achieve a CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French).
  • College or other program graduates:
    • Language requirements: You must achieve a CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) in all four language areas.

2. For students who submitted a study permit application on or after November 1, 2024

  • University undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral graduates:
    • Language requirements: You must achieve a CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all language skills.
    • Field of study requirement: Field of No additional restrictions; all fields of study qualify.
  • Graduates of other university programs:
    • Language requirements: You must achieve a CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French).
    • Field of study requirement: You must graduate from a high-demand field in Canada.
  • College or other program graduates:
    • Language requirements: You must achieve a CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) in all four areas.
    • Field of study requirement: You must graduate from a program related to an occupation experiencing long-term shortages.

Language requirements

With these new changes, language proficiency becomes a key factor in determining PGWP eligibility. You must demonstrate your language skills in the following areas:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Listening
  • Speaking

The language test results must be within two years when submitting your PGWP application. The accepted language tests include:

  • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Take the CELPIP-General test.
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Take the IELTS General Training test.
  • PTE Core (Pearson Test of English): Take the PTE Core test.

Eligible fields of study for PGWP after November 1, 2024

The new PGWP rules introduce specific field of study requirements for certain programs. These fields are closely linked to occupations facing long-term shortages in Canada. If your study program falls into any of the following categories, you will be eligible to apply for PGWP. The fields of study include:

  • Healthcare occupations
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) occupations
  • Trades occupations
  • Transportation occupations
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations

Here are some examples of eligible programs in different fields of study. Students are advised to check the CIP code of their specific program to confirm eligibility.

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Agriculture, General (CIP code: 01.0000)
    • Agricultural Business and Management (CIP code: 01.0101)
    • Agronomy and Crop Science (CIP code: 01.1102)
    • Animal Health (CIP code: 01.0903)
    • Greenhouse Operations and Management (CIP code: 01.0604)
    • Dairy Herding and Production (CIP code: 01.0306)
  • Healthcare
    • Veterinary Science (CIP code: 01.8101)
    • Disability Studies (CIP code: 05.0210)
    • Nutrition Science (CIP code: 30.1901)
    • Special Education (CIP code: 13.1001)
    • Exercise Science and Kinesiology (CIP code: 31.0505)
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
    • Molecular Genetics (CIP code: 26.0802)
    • Genomics (CIP code: 26.0807)
    • Pathology/Experimental Pathology (CIP code: 26.0910)
    • Exercise Physiology (CIP code: 26.0908)
    • Computer Science (CIP code: 11.0701)
  • Trades
    • Meat Cutting (CIP code: 12.0506)
    • Equine Studies/Horse Training (CIP code: 01.0507)
    • Plant Nursery Operations and Management (CIP code: 01.0606)
  • Transportation
    • Airplane Piloting (CIP code: 49.0102)
    • Marine Transportation (CIP code: 49.0309)
    • Heavy Equipment Operations (CIP code: 49.0205)

These are just a few examples, and the full list of eligible programs covers hundreds of courses across different fields of study.

Conclusion

The changes to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit program, set to take effect on November 1, 2024, will have a significant impact on international students who wish to work in Canada after graduation. The new language and field of study requirements, particularly for students submitting study permit applications after the deadline, add extra considerations.

To maximize your chances of obtaining a PGWP, ensure your program meets the updated standards and prepare to meet the necessary language proficiency requirements. If you plan to apply for a PGWP after the new regulations take effect, carefully review these requirements and consult with your educational institution or an immigration consultant to ensure you meet the updated eligibility criteria.

In light of these policy adjustments, seeking professional immigration consulting services is more important than ever. Communicating directly with a licensed immigration consultant in Canada is a legally protected way to receive expert guidance. These consultants have the expertise to provide the latest policy interpretations and efficient application assistance, helping applicants save time and avoid unnecessary errors and delays.

Click here to schedule an appointment with a licensed Canadian immigration consultant.

book-img

安大略省宣布新规,简化跨省专业人士执业认证流程
Ontario Announces New Regulations to Streamline Certification for Interprovincial Professionals
The Government of Ontario has recently announced a major reform framework known as "As of Right," designed to break down interprovincial barriers and significantly simplify the certification process for professionals in regulated occupations coming from other Canadian provinces. The new rules, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, will shorten the certification period from the current several months to as little as 10 business days, thereby promoting free labour mobility within Canada. This initiative will not only have a profound impact on professions like architects and engineers but also establishes a special fast-track entry for certain healthcare professionals from Canada and the United States, potentially creating new opportunities for individuals seeking to immigrate through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
09/08/2025
安大略省PNP项目再发逾1800份邀请,重点吸纳境内紧缺职业人才
Ontario PNP Issues Over 1,800 Invitations, Targeting In-Canada Candidates in High-Demand Occupations
On September 3, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted two pivotal draws, issuing 1,893 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination to candidates already residing in Canada and possessing job offers in 77 specific priority occupations. These draws primarily targeted the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and Employer Job Offer: International Student streams, with minimum scores of 42 and 63, respectively. Notably, these invitations were issued following the shift to an employer-led application process in Ontario's immigration system, underscoring the province's ongoing demand for specific skilled talent and reflecting its dynamic adjustments to immigration policy.
09/05/2025
加拿大快速通道最新抽签:向法语人才发出4500份申请邀请
Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw Issues 4,500 Invitations to French-Speaking Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third Express Entry draw of the week on September 4, 2025, specifically inviting candidates with French-language proficiency. A total of 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued in this round, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 446. This draw highlights the Canadian immigration system's continued emphasis on supporting Francophone communities and attracting candidates with specific skills.
09/05/2025
阿尔伯塔省提名项目定向邀请执法人员,最低分数线创年内新低
Alberta PNP Targets Law Enforcement Professionals in New Draw, Minimum Score Hits 2025 Low
On August 19, 2025, the province of Alberta conducted a targeted draw through its Provincial Nominee Program's (AAIP) Law Enforcement Pathway. While fewer than 10 invitations were issued, the minimum qualifying score was only 45, one of the lowest this year. This dedicated immigration stream aims to help the province recruit police and other law enforcement professionals to address local public safety and recruitment objectives. Data reveals that despite the low score, competition remains high due to a limited annual quota and a significant number of candidates in the pool.
09/04/2025
加拿大移民快速通道发出新一轮邀请,聚焦加拿大经验类别
Canada Issues New Round of Express Entry Invitations, Focusing on Canadian Experience Class
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its latest Express Entry draw on September 3, 2025. This draw specifically targeted candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), issuing a total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for invited candidates was 534. This draw marks the ninth invitation round for this category so far this year.
09/04/2025
加拿大九月首轮快速通道抽签:聚焦省提名项目,249人获邀
Canada Invites 249 PNP Candidates in First Express Entry Draw of September
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of September on September 2, 2025, issuing 249 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 772. Data indicates that the PNP continues to be the primary category for invitations in 2025, highlighting its central role in Canada's immigration system.
09/03/2025
安大略省省提名项目发布最新邀请,重点面向安省北部及特定社区的申请人
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program Issues New Invitations, Targeting Candidates in Northern Ontario and Specific Communities
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held five targeted provincial nomination draws on August 28, 2025, issuing a total of 468 invitations to apply to eligible candidates. These invitations primarily focused on two categories of applicants: foreign workers and international students with job offers in Northern Ontario, and candidates who qualify for the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program with an employer job offer in a specific community. This round of invitations again highlights Ontario's strategic direction of using immigration policy to address labour shortages in specific regions.
09/02/2025
萨斯喀彻温省提名移民配额增加,优先行业申请迎来新机
Saskatchewan Receives Increased Immigration Allocation, Creating New Opportunities for Priority Sectors
The Canadian province of Saskatchewan has announced that its 2025 Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) has received an additional 1,136 nominations from the federal government, bringing its total annual allocation to 4,761. This adjustment reopens application pathways for several sectors that were previously paused due to reaching their caps. Against a backdrop of diverging immigration allocation trends across Canada, this development in Saskatchewan, along with increases in several other provinces, highlights the complex and evolving landscape of federal and provincial immigration policies.
08/29/2025
爱德华王子岛省提名更新:2025年第八轮抽签重点邀请省内技术工人与特定院校毕业生
PEI PNP Update: Eighth Draw of 2025 Targets In-Province Skilled Workers and Graduates from Designated Institutions
On August 21, 2025, Canada's Prince Edward Island (PEI) held its eighth Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) draw of the year, issuing a total of 132 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates. This draw continued to focus on applicants already living and working in the province in high-demand occupations, with special priority given to international graduates from three designated local post-secondary institutions. To date, PEI has issued a cumulative total of 792 invitations in 2025.
08/28/2025
BC省公布最新企业家移民抽选结果,重点类别分数线小幅波动
British Columbia Holds New Entrepreneur Immigration Draw, Score Requirements Shift
The province of British Columbia held a new Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 19, 2025, exclusively targeting candidates in the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) category. A total of no more than 16 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through the Base and Regional Pilot streams. The results confirm a clear trend in 2025, with the BC PNP prioritizing business and investment streams, marking this the sixth entrepreneur-focused draw of the year.
08/27/2025
Sorry, your request failed
Please try again
OK