Canada Eliminates Field of Study Requirement for PGWP Eligibility Among College Bachelor's Graduates

Canada Eliminates Field of Study Requirement for PGWP Eligibility Among College Bachelor's Graduates​

New Language Proficiency Standards Introduced; Specific Criteria Maintained for Other Graduates

 

1. Policy Change Broadens Employment Opportunities for College Graduates

Canada has recently announced a significant policy change affecting international students: the removal of the field of study requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility among graduates of college bachelor's programs. Previously, these graduates needed to have completed programs linked to labor market shortages to qualify for a PGWP. With this change, they can now apply for the PGWP regardless of their field of study, broadening their employment prospects across various sectors.

 

2. Specific Criteria Maintained for Other Graduates

However, it's important to note that this policy adjustment does not extend to all graduates. Individuals who have completed other university programs (excluding bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees) or programs at colleges, polytechnics, and non-university institutions must still meet specific field of study requirements to be eligible for a PGWP.

 

3. Introduction of New Language Proficiency Standards

Furthermore, as of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants are required to meet new language proficiency standards. The required proficiency levels vary based on the level and type of program completed:​

 

✔️ Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree Graduates: Must demonstrate a language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 for French.​

✔️ Graduates of Other University Programs: Also required to achieve CLB 7 or NCLC 7.​

✔️ Graduates of Other College, Polytechnic, or Non-University Programs: Must attain a proficiency level of CLB 5 or NCLC 5.

 

4. Ensuring Effective Integration into the Canadian Workforce

 

These language requirements aim to ensure that graduates possess the necessary communication skills to integrate effectively into the Canadian workforce.​

 

5. Awareness of Ineligibilities for PGWP Applicants

It's also crucial for prospective PGWP applicants to be aware of certain ineligibilities. For instance, those who have previously received a PGWP, studied English or French as a second language, or completed general interest or self-improvement courses are not eligible to apply.

 

6. Understanding Bachelor's Degree Requirements in Canada

In Canada, a bachelor's degree typically requires three to four years of study at the undergraduate level. Educational institutions must adhere to provincial standards to classify their programs appropriately. When evaluating PGWP applications, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers consider the type of degree obtained and the date of the initial study permit application to determine eligibility.

 

This policy revision represents a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and flexible pathway for international students in Canada, particularly those graduating from college bachelor's programs. By removing the field of study restrictions, Canada acknowledges international graduates' diverse skills and potential contributions, enhancing their opportunities within the Canadian labor market.​

 

See the links to the sources below for more details.

 Canada.ca

Work in Canada after you graduate: Field of study requirements - Canada.ca

 

CIC News

Canada removes PGWP field of study requirements for graduates of college bachelor’s programs

 

mdccanada.ca

Canada Opens Doors Wider: PGWP Field of Study Requirement Scrapped for College Bachelor Graduates | MDC Canada

 

 

Tags: #CanadaImmigration #PGWP #CollegeGraduates #PostGraduationWorkPermit #CanadaPolicyUpdate​