Canada Introduces New PGWP Language Rules & 2025 Reforms

Author: Al Parsai, LL.M, RCIC-IRB

Last Updated On: September 18, 2024

On September 18, 2024, Canada announced major changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes will take effect in the coming months and impact thousands of international students. Moreover, new language requirements and eligibility restrictions will redefine the path to work permits. Therefore, students now face stricter conditions for staying and working in Canada after graduation. However, these reforms aim to align with labour market needs and immigration goals. In light of these developments, international students must prepare for significant adjustments.

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. It is an open work permit, meaning students can work for any employer in Canada. Therefore, it plays a vital role in helping international graduates transition from education to employment. The following subsections explain PGWP according to the rules before November 2024.

Duration

The length of a PGWP depends on the duration of the student’s academic program. Students can receive a work permit for up to three years for eight months or more programs. Therefore, longer programs often lead to longer PGWPs. However, students must apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a PGWP, students must meet several criteria:

• They must have completed a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
• The program must be at least eight months, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Students must maintain full-time status throughout their studies, except for the final academic session.
• They must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing their program.

Important Considerations

Students can only apply for the PGWP once in their lifetime. Moreover, those who completed their studies primarily online or took certain non-qualifying programs may not be eligible. Therefore, ensuring that both the program and the institution meet the PGWP eligibility criteria is crucial. Read the following article for more information.

List of Upcoming Changes to the PGWP Program

Several significant changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program will take effect over the coming months. These updates aim to better align immigration policies with Canada’s labour market and immigration goals. Below are all the key changes:

• The government will update the PGWP Program this fall to align with immigration goals and labour needs.
• All PGWP applicants must demonstrate language proficiency in French or English:
  • University graduates need CLB level 7 starting November 1, 2024.
  • College graduates require CLB level 5 effective November 1, 2024; therefore, strong language skills are essential.
• Graduates from public colleges remain eligible for a PGWP for up to three years if they graduate from fields linked to long-term labour shortages.

Indirect Changes Affecting the PGWP Program:

• The government will reduce the study permit intake cap 2025 by 10% from the 2024 target of 485,000; consequently, fewer international students may eventually apply for a PGWP.
• The government aims to reduce temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of Canada’s population by 2026, which might decrease PGWP opportunities.
• Master’s and doctoral students must submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter for the 2025–2026 intake; the government will reserve approximately 12% of their allocation spaces.

Remember that IRCC has not posted the new policy for this program. Of course, we’ll update our website as soon as we receive the policy.

Explore Your Options: Book a Consultation Today

As the government imposes more restrictions on immigration programs, your options become increasingly complex. New language requirements, stricter eligibility criteria, and upcoming policy changes may impact your plans. Therefore, speaking to a professional is essential to fully understand your options and how these changes may affect you.

With nearly 14 years of experience and having represented clients from over 60 countries, I can provide valuable guidance through this evolving landscape. Book a consultation here to discuss your situation and explore the best path forward. Alternatively, please fill out the following form to contact our team.

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